Several government agencies with the Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez launched Monday the “Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon” relief initiative, consisting 24 truckloads of relief goods and P750 million worth of financial aid to those affected by recent typhoons in Bicol, including Catanduanes.
The efforts came following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who instructed the Speaker and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in coordination with various government offices to conduct the relief efforts.
“We know the hardship faced by our calamity-stricken countrymen that’s why we are going there to deliver relief goods and financial aid,” Romualdez said in a statement. “Unity is still the essence of our recovery efforts. Together, we will rise from this calamity and work hard for a better future.”
The relief effort, spearheaded by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co and coordinated by House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada, is focused on providing both immediate relief and sustainable recovery.
Key components of the initiative include:
- Financial assistance payouts through the DSWD Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program to over 150,000 beneficiaries across the Bicol region;
- Mini-Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) to provide residents with vital government services, including housing, healthcare and livelihood programs in Naga City and Pili, Camarines Sur and Polangui, Albay;
- Distribution of relief goods via convoy of 24 trucks carrying food, hygiene kits, clothing and other essential items for the affected communities.
According to Gabonada, this initiative reflects the House of Representatives’ commitment to a holistic and sustainable recovery approach.
The relief operation highlights partnerships between government agencies and private donors, with contributions from Tingog Party-list, Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA), the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and other private groups.
These efforts aim to address the immediate needs of affected families while also empowering communities for long-term recovery.
Romualdez, with his own constituency affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, stressed the importance of combining swift relief with sustainable development.
The initiative will culminate in the ceremonial turnover of relief goods during the mini-BPSF events on November 21, reinforcing the message of unity and resilience among affected communities.
