House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez along with Ako Bicol party-list Rep. and Appropriations Committee Chairperson Zaldy Co launched the “Tabang Bicol, Tindog Oragon” initiative providing substantial aid to Bicolanos affected by recent tropical cyclones.
In collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the initiative allocated P850 million to assist approximately 170,000 beneficiaries across the Bicol Region.
“Our sincerest gratitude to Speaker Martin and the House of Representatives for bringing hope and concrete assistance to our people. Through this program, we can significantly aid many Bicolanos in recovering from the successive typhoons,” Co said.
The comprehensive assistance includes food packs from the Social Welfare Department, financial support through the Integrated Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), and the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
In Catanduanes, which was severely impacted by Super Typhoon “Pepito,” the Housing Materials and Essentials (HOME) program will provide housing kits to 950 residents who lost their homes or suffered significant damage. Each kit includes galvanized iron sheets, plywood, coco lumber, and nails—enabling beneficiaries to begin rebuilding their homes promptly.
Co also discussed with Romualdez plans to address recurring flooding in Bicol. He proposed constructing water-impounding facilities in key flood-prone areas, which would help mitigate flooding during the rainy season and serve as irrigation systems during dry periods.
The “Tabang Bicol, Tindog Oragon” program is a unified effort to support the Bicol Region’s recovery and development. Meanwhile, a massive payout for AKAP beneficiaries with DSWD Region staff is ongoing in various cyclone-hit provinces across Bicol.
