House Speaker Martin Romualdez —Martin Romualdez Facebook photo
MANILA, Philippines — Relief assistance amounting to P390 million has been mobilized toward communities affected by Severe Tropical Storm Enteng, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Tuesday as he facilitated the release of the funds.
Romualdez in a statement on Tuesday said he was instructed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to facilitate the release of the P390 million aid to indigent individuals hit by Enteng, particularly those from Metro Manila and Calabarzon.
According to Romualdez, his office and Tingog party-list will also distribute around 35,000 food packs containing canned goods, noodles, and rice at different evacuation centers in Metro Manila and Rizal.
READ: 13 dead as storm Enteng causes slides, flooding
“We will start our relief mission with the help of the Tingog party-list. We initially asked for a separate financial aid for the severely affected districts in accordance with the directive of President Bongbong Marcos to aid those hit by the storm,” Romualdez said.
“My heartfelt sympathies are with all Filipino families affected by Typhoon Enteng. The flooding in the National Capital Region and Calabarzon, especially soon after Typhoon Carina, is a heavy burden,” he added.
According to Romualdez, the public can be assured that they are not alone in recovering from the effects of the two cyclones.
“I understand how overwhelming it must be to face these challenges back-to-back, and I want you to know that you are not alone—we stand with you during this difficult time,” he added.
Romualdez said that a financial aid amounting to P10 million will be distributed to families in each of the 39 congressional districts affected by the typhoon.
The P390 million financial assistance will come from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
“We, at the House of Representatives, have quickly organized financial assistance to help those in need. Through the DSWD AKAP Program, we are providing P10,000 to each of the affected families. While this may be a small step, I hope it offers some immediate relief and helps you begin the process of rebuilding,” he said.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the House Members who moved swiftly to ensure this support reached those who need it most. Their dedication to serving their communities in such trying times is commendable,” he added.
Latest reports from the disaster response agencies and local governments showed that at least 13 have died due to Enteng’s onslaught, which caused flash floods and landslides in different areas.
The strong rains forced Malacañang to suspend government work and school for Monday and Tuesday.
Enteng’s effect comes a little over a month after Typhoon Carina enhanced the southwest monsoon, which caused massive rains and floods over the same areas.
Last August 23, the Department of Agriculture said that the country’s farm sector lost P4.73 billion worth of agricultural commodities due to Carina and the monsoon rains, affecting the following regions:
- Cordillera Administrative Region
- Ilocos Region
- Cagayan Valley
- Central Luzon
- Calabarzon
- Mimaropa
- Bicol Region
- Western Visayas
- Eastern Visayas
- Zamboanga Peninsula
- Soccsksargen
- Caraga
“As we work together to recover from the effects of Typhoon Enteng, let us continue to support one another. Though the road ahead may be challenging, with compassion and determination, I believe we can rebuild and move forward,” Romualdez said.
“To the typhoon victims, please take care and remember that we are with you every step of the way,” he added.