Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez spearheaded the relief efforts in areas hit by the recent Super Typhoon Julian, bringing P25-million worth of relief goods and facilitating the request for the immediate release of over P100 million in cash aid to affected families.
The Office of the Speaker made the relief operation efforts in partnership with Tingog Party List and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and upon the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Romualdez and Tingog, led by Rep. Yedda K. Romualdez and Rep. Jude Acidre, said they have identified the 10 congressional districts hardest hit by the recent super typhoon and requested Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian release P10 million for each district under the President’s flagship program, Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
“We are ensuring that each affected district receives the support it needs to recover from this calamity. The Marcos administration will not neglect citizens affected by tropical cyclone Julian,” Romualdez said.
“Through AKAP, we aim to provide immediate cash assistance to help families get back on their feet,” the leader of the 307-strong House of Representatives added.
House Deputy Secretary-General Sofonias Gabonada Jr. said they have ascertained that the hardest-hit districts are from the following members of the House: Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato, Cagayan Rep. Ramon Nolasco, Cagayan Rep. Aline Vargas-Alfonso, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, Ilocos Norte Rep. Angelo Barba, Kalinga Rep. Allen Mangaoang, Apayao Rep. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, Abra Rep. Ching Bernos, Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson, and Cagayan Rep. Jojo Lara.
In addition to the cash aid, the offices of Romualdez and Tingog have prepared 5,000 relief packs per district, containing essential goods such as food and water. The packs are worth a total of P25 million for the 10 districts and were sourced from the Speaker’s personal calamity fund.
