Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez today led the rollout of assistance under the Tabang Bikol-Tindog Oragon aid initiative for the victims of Super Typhoon Pepito and Typhoon Kristine in Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Albay.
The House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Romualdez, launched the Tabang Bikol-Tindog Oragon large-scale relief initiative in cooperation with Social Welfare Sec. Rex Gatchalian, pursuant to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
Under the aid initiative, nearly P850 million was allocated to provide critical aid to more than 170,000 typhoon victims across the Bicol Region for their immediate needs, including financial support, home repairs, and livelihood restoration.
“Narito po kami ngayon bilang pagtugon sa panawagan ng ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na magkapit bisig upang maghatid ng tulong sa ating mga kababayan na sinalanta ng mga nakaraang bagyo,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“This united effort is a testament to the resilience and bayanihan spirit of the Filipino people. As we rebuild lives and communities, let us continue to work hand-in-hand for a stronger and more prepared nation. Rest assured, your government remains steadfast in providing support and hope during these trying times,” he added.
Last Monday a convoy of 24 trucks carrying food, hygiene kits, clothing and other essential items relief gathered from a nationwide donation drive left the House of Representatives to deliver critical assistance to the affected communities in the region.
The relief effort, spearheaded by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co, a proud son of the Bicol region includes three major activities: financial assistance payouts, a mini-Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) and the distribution of relief goods.
The first leg of the Tabang Bikol-Tindog Oragon kicked off Thursday morning at Plaza Rizal in Virac, Catanduanes, bringing P100 million in cash assistance for an estimated 20,000 beneficiaries in the province.
Included in the aid package for the people of Catanduanes were 10,000 packs of relief goods and 140,000 kgs. of rice, as well as housing materials for 950 families.
The Tabang Bikol-Tindog Oragon focal point of the relief effort for Albay was at Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legazpi City. Allocated for Albay under the initiative was a total of P255 million in cash assistance for an estimated 53,000 beneficiaries.
Likewise included in the assistance package for Albay typhoon victims were 180,00 kgs. of rice and shelter assistance payout for 356 families amounting to P6.6 million.
The relief operations for Camarines Sur was held at the Jessie Robredo Coliseum in Naga City, with a total of P125 million in cash assistance earmarked for over 25,000 beneficiaries, as well as 75,000 kgs. of rice and housing materials distributed to 50 families.
The last leg of the Tabang Bikol-Tindog Oragon aid caravan was held at the Ka-Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur for the distribution of a total of P164 million in cash assistance and 132,000 kgs. of rice for around 34,000 beneficiaries.
“This initiative is not just about providing relief goods or financial support; it is about showing solidarity and compassion. We are here to assure every affected family that they are not alone in this journey toward recovery,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“I thank our local government units, partner organizations, and volunteers for their dedication and hard work. Together, we will rebuild stronger and more resilient communities.”
He cited the importance of partnerships in disaster response. Donations gathered for the aid drive include hundreds of sacks of rice and canned goods contributed by various groups, such as Tingog Party-list, PHILRECA, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and private donors.
Speaker Romualdez emphasized the importance of combining financial aid with services that foster long-term aid to the people.
“Hindi lamang ito pantawid sa ngayon, kundi hakbang tungo sa mas maayos na kinabukasan. Mahalaga na magkaisa ang lahat – pamahalaan, pribadong sektor at bawat Pilipino – upang mapanumbalik ang sigla ng ating mga komunidad,” Speaker Romualdez had said.
The relief initiative also highlights Speaker Romualdez’s personal dedication to disaster relief, with his experience in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
