President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., in collaboration with the House of Representatives led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, launched the Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon relief initiative.
The program will distribute nearly P750 million in financial assistance and 24 truckloads of relief goods to over 150,000 beneficiaries in the Bicol region, which has been heavily affected by successive typhoons, the latest being Super Typhoon Pepito.
Spearheaded by Speaker Romualdez, the relief effort aims to help communities in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Albay recover quickly from the devastation of Typhoons Kristine, Carina, and Pepito.
According to Speaker Romualdez, President Marcos directed immediate assistance to the storm-hit areas of Bicol.
The relief effort is divided into three main activities: the distribution of financial aid, the launch of a mini-Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF), and the provision of relief goods.
House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias “Ponyong” P. Gabonada said the initiative is also supported by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co, a native of Bicol, emphasizing a holistic and sustainable recovery strategy to address both current and long-term needs.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will lead the distribution of financial aid through its Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, starting November 18.
The mini-BPSF event, set for November 21, will offer various services from different government agencies, Gabonada added.
The activities will take place simultaneously at multiple locations, including Jessie Robredo Coliseum in Naga City, Ka-Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili, and BUPC Gymnasium in Polangui, with 10,000 beneficiaries expected per venue.
Speaker Romualdez emphasized the importance of combining financial aid with government agency services to accelerate recovery for affected residents.
A key aspect of the initiative is the distribution of relief goods collected from donation drives, according to Speaker Romualdez.
The goods, including sacks of rice and canned products, will be loaded onto trucks and depart from the House of Representatives on November 18.
Contributors to the relief supplies include Tingog Party-list, PHILRECA, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and private sector donors.
The ceremonial turnover of the relief goods will be held during the mini-BPSF event on November 21 in Naga City, Pili, and Polangui. This effort aims to deliver a powerful message of unity and resilience to the affected communities.
The program will benefit families who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the recent typhoons.