24 truckloads of goods are set to leave for the Bicol Region, as the House of Representatives launches the ‘Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon’ relief caravan.
In a release on Sunday, the House announced the launch of its relief initiative for the Bicol Region. They will be rolling out nearly Php 750 million to provide financial assistance, including the 24 truckloads of relief goods to over 150,000 beneficiaries affected by the recent typhoons.
Included in the provided relief goods are sacks of rice and canned goods, from various groups like the Tingog Party-list, PHILRECA, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and private donors.
According to House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the initiative aims to support communities in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Albay, as they recover from the effects of Typhoons Carina, Kristine, and the most recent Super Typhoon Pepito. Moreover, the directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shows that it is their way of standing “shoulder-to-shoulder” with the kababayans in Bicol.
“Ang Tabang Bikol ay hindi lamang tulong pinansyal; ito’y simbolo ng malasakit at pagkakaisa ng sambayanang Pilipino,” Romualdez said.
Meanwhile, House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias “Ponyong” P. Gabonada Jr. said that the relief effort includes three major activities:
- Financial assistance payouts
- mini-Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF)
- Distribution of relief goods
Aside from the House Speaker, the initiative is also spearheaded by the House Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co.
According to Co, the distribution of financial aid under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program will start on November 18; While the mini-BPSF will begin on November 21.
The mini Serbisyo Fair will offer residents access to government services, including healthcare, housing, and livelihood programs.
Tignan> “Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon Relief Caravan” inilunsad ng Kamara…24 trucks na puno ng relief goods aalis mamayang tanghali sa Kamara patungong Bicol para magbigay ng ayuda sa mg sinalanta ng Kristine, Carina at Pepito @dzrhnews 📸📹: @HouseofRepsPH pic.twitter.com/ihxR02aHiq
— milky rigonan 💋 (@milkyrigonan) November 18, 2024
The relief operations will be held simultaneously and will take place at the following venues, where 10,000 beneficiaries are expected for each location:
- Jessie Robredo Coliseum in Naga City
- Ka-Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili
- BUPC Gymnasium in Polangui
“Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon reflects the compassion, resilience, and unity of the Filipino spirit,” Gabonada said.
