UPON the instruction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday night facilitated the request for the immediate release of P390 million in financial aid to indigent citizens affected by the onslaught of heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Enteng, which left many areas in Metro Manila and CALABARZON flooded.
Speaker Romualdez and Tingog Party-list, utilizing their disaster relief funds, will distribute around 35,000 food packs—each containing canned goods, noodles, and rice—beginning Tuesday at evacuation centers in Metro Manila and Rizal.
“Sisimulan natin ngayon ang ating relief mission katuwang ang Tingog Partylist. Nauna tayong humiling ng hiwalay na pinansiyal na ayuda para sa mga distritong nasalanta alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na alalayan ang mga naapektuhan ng bagyo,” Speaker Romualdez said. “My heartfelt sympathies are with all Filipino families affected by Typhoon Enteng. The flooding in the National Capital Region and CALABARZON, especially soon after Typhoon Carina, is a heavy burden.”
“I understand how overwhelming it must be to face these challenges back-to-back, and I want you to know that you are not alone – we stand with you during this difficult time,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives added.
Speaker Romualdez, a lawyer from the University of the Philippines (UP), said that the financial aid will amount to P10 million and will be distributed to families in each of the 39 congressional districts affected by the typhoon.
The P390 million financial assistance for flood victims will be funded under the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“We, at the House of Representatives, have quickly organized financial assistance to help those in need. Through the DSWD AKAP Program, we are providing P10,000 to each of the affected families. While this may be a small step, I hope it offers some immediate relief and helps you begin the process of rebuilding,” Speaker Romualdez expressed.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the House Members who moved swiftly to ensure this support reached those who need it most. Their dedication to serving their communities in such trying times is commendable,” he added.
This financial assistance, Speaker Romualdez said, will be distributed to the most vulnerable residents along the path of Typhoon Enteng to allow them to recover as quickly as possible.
The beneficiaries of the cash aid will be constituents of the following district representatives: Rep. Oscar Malapitan, Rep. Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, Rep. Dean Asistio, Rep. Camille Villar, Rep. Romulo Peña Jr., Rep. Luis Campos Jr., Rep. Josephine Veronique Lacson-Noel, Rep. Neptali Gonzales II, Rep. Ernix Dionisio, Rep. Rolando Valeriano, Rep. Joel Chua, Rep. Edward Maceda, Rep. Irwin Tieng, Rep. Benny Abante, Rep. Maan Teodoro, Rep. Stella Quimbo, Rep. Jaime Fresnedi, Rep. Toby Tiangco,
Rep. Edwin Olivarez, Rep. Gustavo Tambunting, Rep. Antonino Calixto, Rep. Roman Romulo, Rep. Arjo Atayde, Rep. Ralph Tulfo, Rep. Franz Pumaren, Rep. Marvin Rillo, Rep. PM Vargas, Rep. Marivic Co-Pilar, Rep. Bel Zamora, Rep. Ading Cruz, Rep. Pammy Zamora, Rep. Eric Martinez, Rep. Michael John Duavit, Rep. Dino Tanjuatco, Rep. Jose Arturo Garcia, Rep. Juan Fidel Nograles, Rep. Mark Enverga, Rep. Romeo Acop and Rep. Robbie Puno.
“As we work together to recover from the effects of Typhoon Enteng, let us continue to support one another. Though the road ahead may be challenging, with compassion and determination, I believe we can rebuild and move forward,” Speaker Romualdez said. “To the typhoon victims, please take care and remember that we are with you every step of the way.”