The House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez is working to facilitate the immediate release of P35-million in financial aid for the families affected by the recent flooding and landslides in the Davao Region.
The assistance includes 17,500 food packs to be distributed across seven congressional districts in the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental. The House through the offices of the Speaker and Tingog Partylist is expediting fund release in partnership with President Marcos.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that nearly 45,000 families, comprising over 187,000 people, are struggling in the wake of the calamities. The incidents were attributed to heavy rains brought about by a shear line last Tuesday.
Romualdez stressed the urgency of their efforts, emphasizing that the focus is on the continued unhampered delivery of substantial assistance to those in the Davao Region severely affected by the natural disaster.
“Every moment counts, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that financial aid and essential supplies reach those in need without delay,” he said. “We understand the gravity of the situation, and our combined efforts aim to alleviate the immediate challenges faced by our fellow Filipinos.”
Reps. Yedda K. Romualdez and Jude Acidre of Tingog partylist assured flood victims that the Marcos administration is doing everything to respond to their needs. “Our hearts go out to the people of the Davao Region facing the aftermath of this natural disaster,” Yedda said.
According to the Speaker, they are coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the swift release of P5-million to each of the seven districts in Davao Region through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
The allocated funds will support the constituents of Maria Carmen Zamora and Ruwel Peter Gonzaga (Davao de Oro, 1st & 2nd Districts), Alan Dujali (Davao del Norte, 2nd District), Nelson Dayanghirang and Cheeno Miguel Almario (Davao Oriental, 1st & 2nd Districts).
Financial aid will also be extended to the first district of Davao del Norte and the lone district of Davao Occidental. This assistance will be channeled through Vice Governors De Carlo Uy and Lorna Bandigan, respectively. Every district will additionally be provided with 2,500 food packs.
The financial aid will play a crucial role in supporting diverse aspects of relief efforts, including the reconstruction of minor infrastructure, provision of medical assistance, and assistance to families displaced by the calamity, they said.
The food packs, currently in preparation, are tailored to meet the immediate nutritional needs of the affected individuals and families.