Manila: Upon the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the House of Representatives on Monday dispatched 24 truckloads of relief goods and PHP750 million in financial assistance to aid those affected by the recent tropical cyclones in the Bicol region, including Catanduanes.

According to Philippines News Agency, the ‘Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon’ relief efforts, initiated by Speaker Martin Romualdez and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), aim to support residents in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Catanduanes who were severely impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) on October 24 and Super Typhoon Pepito (international name Man-yi) on November 17.

Romualdez conveyed President Marcos’ message of unity and resilience, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in overcoming disasters. “We know the hardship of our ravaged countrymen, so we will go there to deliver relief goods and financial aid,” he stated.

The relief initiative is spearheaded by Hou
se Appropriations Committee chairman and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, in coordination with House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias ‘Ponyong’ P. Gabonada. It aims to assist the people of Bicol in their recovery from the impacts of Kristine and Pepito.

More than 150,000 beneficiaries across the Bicol region are set to receive financial assistance distributed under the DSWD Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program on Monday.

Additionally, a Mini-Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) is scheduled to take place on November 21. This event will offer residents vital government services, including housing, healthcare, and livelihood programs, at Jessie Robredo Coliseum in Naga City, Ka-Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili, and BUPC Gymnasium in Polangui, with an expected 10,000 beneficiaries at each location.

The convoy of 24 trucks, carrying food, hygiene kits, clothing, and other essential items, departed from the House of Representatives on Monday. Gabonada highlighted that the relief init
iative reflects the House’s commitment to a holistic and sustainable recovery approach.

Romualdez underscored the necessity of combining swift relief with sustainable development. “Help must be readily delivered to affected communities, and this must not only be for what happened but also for their recovery from the catastrophe,” he remarked.