MANILA: A substantial relief operation has been initiated by the House of Representatives under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to aid families severely affected by Tropical Storm Kristine. Speaker Martin Romualdez announced on Wednesday that PHP411 million will be mobilized to support the recovery efforts in the storm-stricken regions.
According to Philippines News Agency, Speaker Romualdez played a crucial role in securing the immediate release of PHP390 million in cash assistance. This aid will be distributed across 22 districts in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and Mimaropa, as well as through four party-list representatives, to alleviate the impacts of the typhoon. Romualdez emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that assistance reaches those in need swiftly, highlighting President Marcos’ directive that no Filipino family should be left behind in the recovery efforts.
In addition to the cash aid, House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada disclosed plans for di
stributing 62,500 relief packs, valued at over PHP21 million. These packs will be provided by the Office of the Speaker and the Tingog Party-list, with each representative preparing 2,500 packs for affected families. A separate relief mission is being organized by Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriations.
The cash assistance, amounting to PHP15 million per district and party-list representative, is sourced from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. The relief efforts are being coordinated with Tingog Party-list, which is providing essential on-the-ground support in the affected areas.
The targeted districts include some of the most devastated regions in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa, where significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods has been reported. Gabonada assured that mechanisms are in place to expedite the delivery of AICS funds to the co
nstituents of the affected districts.
Romualdez also appealed to the private sector and non-government organizations to support the government’s relief efforts, calling for solidarity and cooperation to aid the recovery process. He assured that the government will focus on sustainable recovery programs to assist communities in rebuilding their lives, as part of a broader strategy to address both immediate and long-term needs following natural disasters.