Super Typhoon Pepito’s victims to receive P750-M aid from House, DSWD

The 24 trucks loaded with relief goods are set to depart from the House of Representatives for the Bicol region on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 (Photo courtesy of Romualdez’s office)

MANILA, Philippines — The government is set to distribute P750-million financial assistance and relief items to residents affected by Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi) and recent cyclones in the Bicol Region.

In a statement on Sunday, Speaker Martin Romualdez’s office said the House of Representatives and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched the Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon relief initiative to aid residents in the region.

READ: Super Typhoon Pepito stays strong as it heads to Aurora, northern Quezon

“The relief effort includes three major activities: financial assistance payouts, a mini-Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF), and the distribution of relief goods,” it said.

According to House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias “Ponyong” Gabonada, the distribution of financial aid covered by the DSWD’s Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program will begin on Monday, November 18.

“The mini-BPSF, scheduled for November 21, will offer residents access to vital government services, including housing, healthcare, and livelihood programs, according to Gabonada,” Romualdez’s office said.

It will take place in Jessie Robredo Coliseum in Naga City, Ka-Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili, and BUPC Gymnasium in Polangui.

In less than a month, six weather disturbances affected the Philippines: Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami), Typhoon Leon (international name: Kong-rey), Typhoon Marce (international name: Yinxing), Typhoon Nika (international name: Toraji), Typhoon Ofel (international name: Usagi), and Pepito.

Kristine exited the country’s boundary last October 25, while Leon left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on November 1.

Marce exited PAR on November 8 and Nika on November 12.

Ofel left PAR on November 17, while Pepito was last spotted 120 kilometers east-southeast of Baler Aurora, carrying maximum sustained winds of 185 kph with gusts of up to 230 kph.