Ako Bicol party-list sends aid to storm-affected areas in Bicol

By: Jown Manalo - 1 day ago

Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) has initially caused over P38.7 million in damage to agriculture and infrastructure across the Bicol region, as heavy flooding continues to impact several areas.

Philippine Coast Guard rescue residents in Sitio Libas, Barangay Maguiron, Guinobatan, Albay, October 23, 2024. | PHOTO COURTESY OF PCG / FILE

MANILA, Philippines — Ako Bicol party-list, in partnership with the office Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, launched a relief and rescue operation in the Bicol region, which was battered by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

Romualdez dispatched rescue equipment, including 20 rubber boats and outboard motors, to bolster rescue efforts in Bicol.

According to Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, the rescue equipment were distributed to key agencies, including the Camarines Sur local government, the 9th Infantry Division, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group.

“These tools were vital as we faced severe flooding that displaced thousands of our kababayans,” his statement on Sunday read.

A total of 18,000 food packs were also distributed across affected areas in the region, reaching 19 barangays in Albay, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon, according to Co.

He added that “12,218 food packs were provided in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and 5,793 sourced from Ako Bicol’s resources.”

Aside from food, 2,000 modular evacuation tents and 500 blankets were also provided by Ako Bicol party-list to displaced residents.

“Hot meals and with clean water were also served to over 800 individuals, including 20 families in Malilipot, 500 individuals at Tabaco Port, and 642 people across various areas in Sorsogon,” Co said.

As the storm exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, Ako Bicol party-list deployed heavy equipment, including bulldozers, backhoes, and dump trucks, to clear obstructed routes like the Sagnay-Tiwi road, restoring access and facilitating relief operations in the affected areas.

READ: P411-M aid on the way for storm Kristine victims — Romualdez