RELIEF CARAVAN
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in close coordination with Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, the House of Representatives and Social Welfare Sec. Rex Gatchalian, has launched the Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon relief initiative, rolling out nearly P750 million to provide financial assistance and 24 truckloads of relief goods to over 150,000 beneficiaries across the Bicol region following series of weather disturbances, including Typhoon Pepito.
The program, with Speaker Romualdez as the main proponent, aims to support communities in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Albay as they recover from the devastation caused by Typhoon Kristine and Typhoon Carina 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 added.
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, 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 that the distribution of financial aid under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program will begin on November 18.
The mini-BPSF, scheduled for November 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 truckloads carrying food, hygiene kits, clothing and other essentials will depart from the House of Representatives this Monday, November 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 Party-list, 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.
