GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES ‘TABANG BIKOL, TINDOG ORAGON’ RELIEF OPERATIONS

FOLLOWING a series of typhoons, the House of Representatives launched the “Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon” relief caravan with 24 truckloads of food and non-food items set to be sent for the Bicol Region Monday, November 18.

In close coordination with Speaker Martin Romualdez and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rolled out nearly P750-million to fund the initiative, which would benefit 150,000 Filipinos across the Bicol region.

Romualdez, the main proponent of the program, said it aims to support communities in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Albay as they recover from the devastation caused by Typhoons Carina and Kristine recently and even Super Typhoon Pepito.

“Ito ang direktiba ng ating mahal na Pangulong Marcos, ang tulungan ang mga nasalanta ng bagyo sa Bicol. This initiative is our way of showing that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our kababayans in Bicol during these challenging times,” Speaker Romualdez said.

“Ang Tabang Bikol ay hindi lamang tulong pinansyal, ito’y simbolo ng malasakit at pagkakaisa ng sambayanang Pilipino,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives said.

The relief effort includes three major activities: financial assistance payouts, a mini-Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) and the distribution of relief goods.

According to House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias “Ponyong” P. Gabonada Jr., the initiative is also spearheaded by the House Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co, who also hails from Bicol, and it embodies the House’s commitment to “holistic and sustainable recovery,” addressing both immediate and long-term needs.

He added the distribution of financial aid under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program will begin on Nov. 18.

The mini-BPSF, scheduled for Nov. 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 and BUPC Gymnasium in Polangui, with 10,000 beneficiaries expected in each location.

Speaker Romualdez emphasized the importance of combining financial aid with services that foster long-term aid to the people.

“Hindi lamang ito pantawid sa ngayon, kundi hakbang tungo sa mas maayos na kinabukasan. Mahalaga na magkaisa ang lahat – pamahalaan, pribadong sektor at bawat Pilipino – upang mapanumbalik ang sigla ng ating mga komunidad,” Speaker Romualdez said.

A key feature of the initiative is the distribution of relief goods gathered from a nationwide donation drive, Speaker Romualdez said. Dozens of trucks carrying food, hygiene kits, clothing and other essentials will depart from the House of Representatives this Monday, Nov. 18, to bring aid to thousands of families.

The logistics effort reflects the commitment of the government and private donors to deliver tangible relief to affected areas.

The event also highlights the importance of partnerships in disaster response.

Donations include hundreds of sacks of rice and canned goods contributed by various groups, such as Tingog Partylist, PHILRECA, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and private donors.

The initiative highlights Speaker Romualdez’s personal dedication to disaster relief, with his experience in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

He has championed swift and comprehensive responses to ensure that affected families receive both immediate assistance and the tools to rebuild their lives with dignity.

November 21 will also see the ceremonial turnover of relief goods during the mini-BPSF events in Naga City, Pili and Polangui. 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 noted.

The beneficiaries of this program include families displaced by recent weather disturbances, many of whom have lost their homes and livelihoods.

With activities spanning multiple provinces, Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon demonstrates the House’s commitment to reaching even the most remote communities in the region.

“Ang ating pagkakaisa ay patunay na kaya nating bumangon mula sa kahit anong unos. Magtulungan tayo para sa mas maliwanag na kinabukasan,” Speaker Romualdez said.