HOUSE HELPS RELEASE OF P20-M AID, 5K FOOD PACKS FOR QUAKE VICTIMS

THE Offices of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Tingog Partylist have swiftly facilitated the release of P20 million in assistance while 5,000 food packs are now being prepared as initial help in two congressional districts affected by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake that hit Southern Mindanao on Friday.

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to promptly act on the latest disaster, House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias “Ponyong” P. Gabonada said Speaker Romualdez instructed his team, in collaboration with Tingog, to immediately respond to the pressing needs by providing essential support to the affected residents.

“Speaker Romualdez and Tingog Partylist are committed to doing our part to provide comfort and relief in these challenging times. The Speaker underscored the need for us to stand for the victims,” Gabonada said.

Gabonada said the Speaker helped in facilitating the release of P10 million medical assistance for indigent patients (MAIP) from the Department of Health (DoH) and P10 million in assistance to individuals in crisis (AICS) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to be equally shared by Sarangani Rep. Steve Chiongbian Solon and South Cotabato Lone District Rep. Loreto B. Acharon’s districts.

He also said that construction materials will be sent to the affected residents to repair and rebuild their homes damaged by the earthquake.

Gabonada said the Davao City and GenSan Tingog Teams are preparing an initial 5,000 relief goods to be equally divided among Solon and Acharon’s districts.

He said the Office of the Speaker is also closely coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and district lawmakers to facilitate the immediate release of quick response funds to rehabilitate the affected public structures like bridges and school buildings

“Speaker Romualdez and Tingog Partylist’s commitment to the welfare of the affected community goes beyond words. We will always respond immediately to assist those in need,” Gabonada said.