Speaker Martin G. Romualdez has assured his colleagues and the nation that the House,in considering and approving the 2023 national budget,would “effectively respond to the needs of the people,especially in addressing the continued impact of the health crisis,and in creating more jobs and ensuring food security.” Photo by VER NOVENO
Speaker thanks ‘Paeng’ donors from House, private sector
SPEAKER Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday expressed gratitude to his colleagues in the House of Representatives and the private sector for responding to his call for cash and in-kind donations to assist victims of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) “Paeng.”
This developed as the operation for the repacking of relief goods in the House of Representatives is winding down as nearly all donated items were dispatched and delivered to communities requesting aid.
The relief operations, however, will continue and incoming donations will just be moved to a nearby warehouse for safekeeping prior to delivery to communities affected by STS Paeng since the House of Representatives will resume its regular sessions this Monday, November 7.
“Karangalan po naming maging instrumento ng ating mga kababayan sa pagtulong sa mga nasalanta ng Bagyong Paeng,” Romualdez said. “Muli po nating napatunayan na kayang-kaya nating bumangon sa anomang hamon ng panahon kung sama-sama at nagkakaisa.”
The Speaker earlier made an appeal on his Facebook page for aid of whatever kind on behalf of Paeng victims, to which many representatives and donors from the private sector responded with an outpouring of donations.
The relief drive has accumulated a total of over P26 million worth of “in-kind” donations and pledges such as blankets, food items, and toiletries, as well as over P49 million in cash donations and pledges.
At the same time, the Speaker also thanked Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin Tulfo for helping his colleagues whose constituents were affected by STS Paeng through the department’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
“And we commend Secretary Tulfo and all members of his team in the DSWD for performing their mandate well,” Romualdez said.
“To all the beneficiaries of this financial aid, may this government service help you take care of your families. Maraming salamat po at mabuhay kayong lahat,” the Speaker added.
