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Speaker mobilizes P411M aid for Typhoon Kristine victims

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Wednesday announced that, upon the instructions of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., a large-scale relief operation has been launched by the House of Representatives to assist the families severely affected by Typhoon Kristine, a press release from the House of Representatives said.

As part of the operation, Speaker Romualdez facilitated the request for the immediate release of P390 million in cash aid, to be distributed to 22 districts affected by the typhoon in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and MIMAROPA, as well as through four party-list representatives.

Additionally, House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada said the Office of the Speaker and the Tingog Party-list are preparing 2,500 relief packs per representative, for a total of 62,500 packs worth over P21 million, to be distributed to families affected by Typhoon Kristine.

Gabonada said a separate relief mission is also being prepared by Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations.

Gabonada explained that the P15 million cash assistance per district and party-list representative comes from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program under Sec. Rex Gatchalian. The aid is expected to reach beneficiaries in the coming days.

The relief efforts are being coordinated with Tingog Partylist, which has been instrumental in providing on-the-ground support for the affected areas.

Romualdez highlighted that the districts covered by this aid include some of the most affected areas in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA, where Typhoon Kristine caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

“We know how difficult the situation is for our fellow Filipinos, and we are here to help,” said Romualdez. “We will ensure that these funds go directly to the recovery and rebuilding efforts in these communities.”

Gabonada, who is overseeing the logistics of the relief operations, confirmed that the cash aid will be distributed to the 22 affected districts and the four party-list representatives over the next few days. He stressed that the assistance will focus on the immediate needs of the typhoon victims.

In the Bicol Region, the districts represented by Rep. Eulogio Rodriguez, Rep. Josie Tallado, Rep. Rosemarie Panotes, Rep. Tonton Kho, Rep. Olga Kho, Rep. Ricardo Kho, Rep. Wowo Fortes, Rep. Dette Escudero, Rep. Fernando Cabredo, Rep. Joey Salceda, Rep. Edcel Lagman, Rep. Migz Villafuerte, Rep. Lray Villafuerte, Rep. Arnie Fuentebella, Rep. Hori Horibata, and Rep. Gabriel Bordado are among those receiving aid.

In Eastern Visayas, districts represented by Rep. Paul Daza, Rep. Harris Ongchuan, Rep. Reynolds Tan, and Rep. Stephen James Tan will receive the same amount of assistance.

The district of Rep. Cong. Reynante Arrogancia from CALABARZON will be given assistance too.

In MIMAROPA, the district represented by Rep. Lord Allan Velasco has also been allocated its share of the financial aid.

Four party-list representatives—Rep. Raul Angelo “Jil” Bongalon, Rep. Brian Yamsuan, Rep. Presley De Jesus, and Rep. Felimon Espares—are also part of the relief initiative.

The Speaker also called on the private sector and non-government organizations to complement the government’s efforts. “This is the time for solidarity and cooperation. We welcome any additional support that can help our people get back on their feet,” he added.*

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