President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., along with House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, on Monday launched a relief operation, bringing relief goods to the Bicol Region, which was affected by Super Typhoon Pepito.
A total of 24 trucks filled with relief goods are ready to depart from the House of Representatives. The operation, dubbed “Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon,” aims to assist those affected by the typhoon.
The project, which has a total budget of around P750 million, will benefit over 150,000 individuals across Bicol, which was severely impacted by continuous weather disturbances.
In particular, the areas targeted for support include Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Albay, which sustained significant damage from Typhoons Carina and Kristine, and Super Typhoon Pepito.
“Ito ang direktiba ng ating mahal na Pangulong Marcos, ang tulungan ang mga nasalanta ng bagyo sa Bicol. This initiative is our way of showing that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our kababayans in Bicol during these challenging times,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“Ang ‘Tabang Bikol’ ay hindi lamang tulong pinansyal; ito’y simbolo ng malasakit at pagkakaisa ng sambayanang Pilipino,” he added.
This relief operation includes financial aid, a mini-Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF), and the distribution of relief goods.
Romualdez emphasized the importance of financial assistance for those affected by the aftermath of the natural disasters.
“Hindi lamang ito pantawid sa ngayon, kundi hakbang tungo sa mas maayos na kinabukasan. Mahalaga na magkaisa ang lahat—pamahalaan, pribadong sektor at bawat Pilipino—upang mapanumbalik ang sigla ng ating mga komunidad,” Romualdez said.
Additionally, the relief goods were made possible through nationwide efforts, as the public contributed to a donation drive.
“Ang ating pagkakaisa ay patunay na kaya nating bumangon mula sa kahit anong unos. Magtulungan tayo para sa mas maliwanag na kinabukasan,” Romualdez said.
