24 trucks from the House of Representatives “Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon” relief caravan arrived in Bicol on early Tuesday, November 19, House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada said in a press conference.
During the press conference, the House Deputy Secretary General informed the public that the 24 trucks would be proceeding to various areas affected by the recent typhoons in the Bicol region. According to Gabonada, some of the trucks arrived at 10 AM on Tuesday.
Affected communities will be receiving relief goods and rehabilitation items from the caravan.
“Half of the trucks are moving towards Albay, and the last one is Catanduanes in preparation for our massive relief and rehabilitation efforts on Thursday with Speaker Martin Romualdez,” Gabonada said.
Meanwhile, Gabonada clarified that the relief efforts are not exclusive to the Bicol region. He said that the House is currently working on expanding the efforts to other affected areas in the country. The Bicol region was struck by the typhoon twice, hence the reason why it was prioritized.
“Yung lahat ng nasalanta ng nakaraang bagyo—Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nika, Ofel, at ngayon nga Pepito—inuna lang natin yung Bicol kasi dalawang beses sila binuyo ng bagyo. And the massive destruction na naandoon ngayon ay kailangan talaga ng mas malawak na efforts,” he explained.
Relief efforts had already been extended to Regions 1, 2, 8, and CALABARZON. Through the Office of the Speaker and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive, they also endorsed funds for specific places. According to Gabonada, the endorsement would permit those affected by the calamities for the past four weeks, to receive cash assistance.
