House of Representatives mobilizes P411-M aid for 'Kristine' victims

MANILA – Upon the instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., a large-scale relief operation has been launched by the House of Representatives to assist the families severely affected by Tropical Storm Kristine, Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Wednesday.

As part of this operation, Romualdez facilitated the request for the immediate release of P390 million in cash aid, which will 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.

"Malinaw po ang direktiba ni Pangulong Marcos: walang pamilyang Pilipino ang maiiwan sa pagtulong ng pamahalaan sa mga nasalanta ng bagyong Kristine (President Marcos' directive is clear: no Filipino family will be left behind in the assistance from the government to those affected by Kristine). We are making sure the government's assistance reaches our affected countrymen as quickly as possible," he said in a news release.

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 more than P21 million to be distributed to affected families.

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

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 Situation (AICS) program.

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

The districts covered by the aid include some of the most affected areas in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa, where extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods was reported.

Gabonada said mechanisms have been set up to ensure that the AICS funds reach the constituents of the 22 affected districts "as quickly and efficiently as possible."

Meanwhile, Romualdez 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 said.

The relief operation is part of the larger response strategy of the Marcos administration to address the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by natural disasters.

Romualdez assured that the government would push for sustainable recovery programs to help the affected communities rebuild their lives. (PNA)