House thanks volunteers, contributors to Paeng fund drive, relief operations
THE House of Representatives on Wednesday afternoon expressed its “sincerest and profound gratitude and appreciation” to its members, volunteers and private entities that helped in its fund drive and relief operations for victims of recent Severe Tropical Storm Paeng.
The expression was made in a House Resolution (HR) No. 531 the chamber adopted unanimously.
The measure was authored by Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, Senior Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos lll, and Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude Acidre, and David Suarez of Quezon.
The resolution stated that storm Paeng made landfall in Virac, Catanduanes last October 29 “and continued to wreak havoc to different parts of the country for over three days, causing loss of lives, immense damage to livelihood, agriculture and infrastructure.”
“In addition to the harsh impact of the severe tropical storm, victims are also dealing with contaminated potable water sources, electricity supply cut, waterborne and food-borne diseases, and basic supply shortage, all while grieving for the loss of their homes, livelihood and love ones,” it said.
It noted that the House, through the initiative of Speaker Romualdez, immediately recognized the urgency for aid to be delivered to those affected by the storm and launched a fund drive and relief operations.
“The call for aid and assistance was promptly answered by members of the House of Representatives, officials, employees and staff from other national government agencies, volunteers, and private entities, triggering round-the-clock relief operations at the Batasang Pambansa complex,” according to the resolution.
The House thus was able to raise P49.2 million in cash contributions and pledges and in-kind donations such as blankets, food items and toiletries from private entities. The cash and donated items have already been distributed to storm victims.
The House thanked all those who helped in the fund drive and relief operations for their “time, effort and resources.”
The resolution further cited the Filipinos “incomparable hospitality, generosity and instinct to take care of their countrymen, exemplified in this instance by the unconditional assistance and commitment given by the volunteers and private entities in the acquisition and repackaging of goods, and in addressing logistical concerns to ensure that the collected aid is swiftly and efficiently delivered to those in need.”
