MALACANANG, in coordination with the House of Representatives and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has launched a relief initiative aimed at supporting communities in the Bicol region, which are recovering from recent devastation caused by typhoon “Carina” and severe tropical storm “Kristine,” and even super typhoon “Pepito” which is hitting Catanduanes.
The relief effort “Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon” includes three major activities: financial assistance payouts, a mini-Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) and the distribution of relief goods.
Under the initiative, a brainchild of Speaker Martin Romualdez, almost P750 million has been released to provide assistance, including 24 truckloads of relief goods, to over 150,000 beneficiaries across the Bicol region, particularly in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Albay.
Romualdez, in a statement, said the relief caravan is in line with the directive of President Marcos Jr to provide assistance to storm-affected communities in Bicol.
“Tabang Bicol is not only a financial assistance; it’s a symbol of empathy and unity of the Filipino nation,” he also said.
House deputy secretary general Sofonias Gabonada said the distribution of financial aid under the DSWD’s Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program will begin today.
The mini-BPSF, scheduled for November 21, will offer residents access to vital government services, including housing, healthcare and livelihood programs, according to Gabonada.
Gabonada said activities will take place at multiple venues: Jessie Robredo Coliseum in Naga City, Ka-Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili in Camarines Sur, and BUPC Gymnasium in Polangui in Albay, with 10,000 beneficiaries expected in each location.
A key feature of the initiative, which is also spearheaded by Rep. Zaldy Co who is from Bicol, is the distribution of relief goods gathered from a nationwide donation drive.
Gabonada said the turnover of relief goods during the mini-BPSF events in Naga City, Pili and Polangui will also happen on November 21. He said these gatherings aim to reinforce the message of unity and resilience within the affected communities.
“Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon reflects the compassion, resilience, and unity of the Filipino spirit,” Gabonada said, adding that the beneficiaries of the program include families displaced by recent weather disturbances, many of whom have lost their homes and livelihoods.
The Speaker said dozens of truckloads carrying food, hygiene kits, clothing and other essentials will depart from the House of Representatives today to bring aid to thousands of families.
The donations include hundreds of sacks of rice and canned goods contributed by various groups, such as the Tingog party-list group, Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PHILRECA), the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and private donors.
