The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the House of Representatives has launched a large-scale relief operation to aid families severely impacted by Tropical Storm Kristine, House Speaker Martin Romualdez announced last week.
As part of this effort, Romualdez facilitated the swift release of P390 million in cash aid, which will be distributed to 22 typhoon-hit districts in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and Mimaropa, along with allocations for four party-list representatives.
“President Marcos’ instructions are clear: no Filipino family will be left behind in the government’s assistance for those affected by Tropical Storm Kristine. We are ensuring that help reaches our affected countrymen as quickly as possible,” Romualdez said in a statement.
In addition to the cash aid, House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada announced that the Office of the Speaker,
in coordination with the Tingog Party-list, is preparing 2,500 relief packs per representative, totaling 62,500 packs valued at more than P21 million. These will be distributed to affected families across the hardest-hit regions.
Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, is also organizing a separate relief mission.
The P15 million in cash assistance for each district and party-list representative will come from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. The relief efforts are being coordinated with the Tingog Party-list, which has played a key role in providing on-the-ground support in the disaster-stricken areas.
The districts receiving aid include some of the most heavily affected areas in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa, where widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods has been reported.
Gabonada assured that measures are in place to ensure that AICS funds reach the constituents of the 22 affected districts swiftly and efficiently.
Romualdez also urged the private sector and non-government organizations to contribute to the government’s relief efforts.
“This is a time for solidarity and cooperation. We welcome any additional support that can help our people recover and rebuild,” he said.
This relief operation is part of the Marcos administration’s broader response strategy to address both the immediate and long-term needs of communities affected by natural disasters. Romualdez emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable recovery programs that will help these communities rebuild their lives and livelihoods.