By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Tingog Partylist have facilitated the immediate release of P20 million in cash assistance for 2,000 families displaced by the recent fire at Barangay 105 Aroma in Tondo, Manila.
The aid, provided through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), will offer P10,000 to each affected family to support their recovery.
“We acted on President Marcos’ directive to secure P20 million in aid for the Tondo fire victims. This support, coordinated with DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, complements our ongoing relief efforts to help families rebuild their lives,” Romualdez said.
In addition to the cash assistance, the Office of the Speaker, in collaboration with Tingog Party-list led by Reps. Yedda K. Romualdez and Jude Acidre, distributed hot meals on Sunday (September 15, 2024).
“We have also utilized our calamity funds to ensure these families receive both financial support and essential items,” Romualdez added.
House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias “Ponyong” P. Gabonada Jr. outlined the relief operations, which included serving 4,500 bowls of lugaw (porridge) and arroz caldo at three distribution centers: General Vicente Lim Elementary School evacuation center, and covered courts in Barangays 105 and 106.
“We provided 2,500 servings of lugaw and arroz caldo at the General Vicente Lim Elementary School evacuation center, and 1,000 servings each at the covered courts in Barangays 105 and 106,” Gabonada said.
Rep. Ernesto “Ernix” Dionisio Jr. expressed his gratitude to President Marcos, Speaker Romualdez, and DSWD Secretary Gatchalian for their prompt support to the fire victims of Barangay 105 Aroma.
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