LEGAZPI CITY: The Ako Bicol (AKB) Party-list has mobilized assistance to residents of Catanduanes province, which suffered severe damage to properties and agriculture caused by Super Typhoon Pepito (international name Man-yi) on Nov. 16. In a statement on Tuesday, AKB Representative and House Committee on Appropriations chair Elizaldy Co, emphasized the urgency of their action, saying that they could not delay helping the island province.

According to Philippines News Agency, the lawmaker immediately ordered the dispatch of aid and the initiation of relief operations to ensure that the basic needs of the people in Catanduanes were met. Three trucks carrying 2,500 relief packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-which include rice, canned goods, and noodles-were promptly loaded and sent via roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessel in Catanduanes on Monday.

Co added that further shipments of construction materials such as wood, iron, nails, among others, are scheduled to be sent to assist in re
building the damaged homes of the residents. He extended his gratitude to House Speaker Martin Romualdez for his support to the Bicol Region during this time of calamity.

“AKB is thankful to Speaker Martin Romualdez for his concern for the Bicolanos. He has been a partner of AKB in our efforts to assist the people of Bicol,” he said. Co reiterated that the AKB is committed to being at the forefront of responding to the needs of Bicolanos in times of crisis. He assured the residents of Catanduanes that they could rely on their party-list and Speaker Romualdez in times of need.