HOUSE Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), led the distribution of assistance to poor families and fire victims in Puerto Princesa City.

Speaker Romualdez was designated as caretaker of the third district of Palawan following the death of its former representative and mayor, Puerto Princesa City Edward Hagedorn, last November.

“It is a duty I embrace with the utmost seriousness-to ensure that you the heart and soul of our community-are supported and uplifted during these trying times,” said Romualdez, the leader of Congress, with more than 300-strong members.

The lawmaker also led the ceremonial distribution of aid to more than 2,000 beneficiaries under the CARD program, which was held at the Provincial Capitol Convention Center.

It was learned that each beneficiary received P3,000 cash assistance and rice, amounting to a total of P7 million.

Speaker Romualdez also thanked DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian for his timely assistance to the fire victims and the poor residents of the third district of Palawan.

He also thanked the residents of the city for their warm welcome to them.

“Umasa po kayong mga taga-Puerto Princesa na ang inyong lingkod ay kasama ninyo sa lahaat ng pagsubok na dadaanan. At gagawin natin ang lahat, ayon sa bata upang maiabot ang inyong mga pangangailangan tungo sa sabay-sabay nating pag-unlad,” according to the House Speaker.

In another event held at Mendoza Park, Speaker Romualdez also led the ceremonial distribution of P4.8-million in cash assistance to 700 families who were victims of the fire.

They were given P2,500 to P10,000 cash assistance under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

The beneficiaries also received relief packs from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and youth group NextGen.

It can be recalled that on February 7, a huge fire destroyed the homes of 681 families in Barangay Bagong Silang and Pagkakaisa.

Meanwhile, at least, 19 families were affected by the fire on February 14 in Barangay San Miguel.

“Maliit na ambag lamang ito para sa araw-araw na pangangailangan ninyo, pero malaking hakbang tungo sa pagbangon ng inyong komunidad,” Speaker Romualdez said.

“Tulad po ng sinasabi ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. sama-sama, babangon tayo muli,” he added.

This is the second AICS distribution to fire victims. The first was on February 15 and 16 led by the Palawan 3rd District Caretaker Office where beneficiaries were given P10,000 each with a total amount of nearly P7 million.

In addition, 2,500 relief packs were also given to the victims after the fire.

Aside from Speaker Romualdez, other officials who attended the event were House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo, ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Edvic Yap, Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Alvarez, Western Command commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, Palawan officials including Vice Governor Leoncio Ola, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron and Vice Mayor Nancy Socrates.

Before the distribution of aid, Speaker Romualdez also went to the blessing of the Palawan 3rd District – Caretaker Office located in Brgy. San Jose, Puerto Princesa City.

It was built in December and started to be used in January 2024. It handles P10 million worth of medical assistance from the Department of Health and P8 million worth of AICS under the DSWD.