Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the government of Singapore for their generous assistance to the victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, particularly the invaluable role of the Singaporean Air Force assets in delivering critical aid to the hard-hit communities.
Romualdez thanked Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See for sending a C-130 aircraft to help reach thousands of Filipino families affected by the Kristine, which has caused widespread devastation across the country.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa pamahalaan ng Singapore, lalo na kay President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at sa kanilang embahadora dito sa Pilipinas, si Ambassador Constance See, para sa kanilang maagap na pagtulong sa ating bansa,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“Ang tulong na kanilang ipinadala, lalo na ang C-130 aircraft mula sa Singapore Air Force, ay magagamit natin sa mabilis na paghahatid ng relief goods sa mga lugar na lubhang naapektuhan ng bagyo,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives added.
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) deployed a C-130 transport aircraft to assist in distributing humanitarian aid supplies, particularly in the Bicol Region, one of the areas most affected by Typhoon Kristine.
According to Romualdez, this gesture underscores the strong bilateral relationship between Singapore and the Philippines and highlights the importance of regional cooperation during times of crisis.
Romualdez noted that the aid from Singapore is a significant boost to the ongoing relief operations led by the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., the House of Representatives, and other government agencies.
“We truly appreciate this gesture. Singapore is a true friend of the Philippines,” the House leader from Leyte said.
The House of Representatives has been actively involved in the relief efforts, having earlier mobilized over P411 million in financial aid to 22 districts and four party-list groups affected by the weather disturbance. The expanded assistance includes additional funds and relief goods, such as 2,500 relief packs per representative, provided in partnership with the Office of the Speaker and Tingog Partylist.
Romualdez also emphasized the importance of international support in addressing the scale of the disaster caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which has displaced over 2.6 million people.
“Hindi biro ang pinsalang idinulot ng bagyong ito. Ang tulong mula sa mga kaalyadong bansa tulad ng Singapore ay nagbibigay-lakas sa ating bayanihan spirit na magtulungan at magkapit-bisig sa pagbangon,” he said.
Speaker Romualdez also reassured the public that the House will remain steadfast in supporting the recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“Hindi po kami titigil hangga’t hindi nakakaabot ang tulong sa lahat ng nangangailangan. Tinitiyak po namin na ang tulong pinansyal at relief goods ay makakarating sa mga pamilyang nawalan ng tahanan at kabuhayan,” he stated.
Earlier, Ako Bicol Partylist, in partnership with Romualdez, launched an extensive relief and rescue operation across Bicol following Kristine’s devastation, reaching thousands needing immediate assistance.
Romualdez answered Ako Bicol’s call for aid by dispatching 20 rubber boats, outboard motors, and essential rescue equipment delivered via a C-130 military aircraft and distributing relief goods.
The shipment, which arrived at the height of search and rescue operations in Bicol, included life vests, life buoys, traction ropes, and rope-throwing bags to strengthen local rescue efforts.
“These tools were vital as we faced severe flooding that displaced thousands of our kababayans,” said Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co. “We are deeply grateful for Speaker Romualdez’s prompt action.”
Romualdez also highlighted the House of Representatives’ swift response to the ongoing crisis. Congress has mobilized close to P500 million in assistance to the communities severely affected by Kristine, demonstrating the institution’s ability to act decisively in times of calamity.