House raises P35 million for Paeng victims

MANILA, Philippines — Leaders and members of the House of Representatives have initially raised P35 million in pledges and donations to help national and local government units provide relief goods to victims of Tropical Storm Paeng.

Speaker Martin Romualdez said the initiative was led by Rep. Zaldy Co of party-list Ako Bicol who heads the House appropriations committee, where many others, including private individuals, sent donations for the relief drive.

“During the darkest hours, the House of the People in coordination and partnership with the Marcos administration is always here to assist and help Filipinos in their time of need. We will support all the national government initiatives,” the Leyte congressman vowed.

Among those who pledged funds were Romualdez’s lawmaker-wife Yedda Marie of party-list Tingog, chairperson of the House committee on accounts; and Reps. Ferjenel Biron (Iloilo), Jayjay Suarez (Quezon), Lord Allan Velasco (Marinduque), House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe (Zamboanga), Reps. Emmanuel Billones and Jane Castro of Capiz, Teddy Haresco and Carlito Marquez of Aklan, Bai Dimple Mastura (Maguindanao) and Sittie Aminah Dimaporo (Lanao del Norte).

Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, for his part, extended his condolences to those who lost their loved ones, and at the same time called on the national government and concerned agencies, along with the private sector, to send immediate help to typhoon-ravaged BARMM.

“We are requesting the national government if they can augment the capacity of local government units in their search and rescue operations because we still have so many persons who remain unaccounted for and missing until now,” he said.

On top of the P35 million, the Speaker has also received a pledge of assistance from the private sector, which committed to helping in the production of much-needed relief packs for distribution to all affected typhoon victims, from Mindanao to Luzon.

In partnership with Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo, Romualdez also said that the initial names of his colleagues who sought assistance from them will also receive aid from the department’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program.

The Speaker also said that Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has readied a relief mission to Cotabato, Eastern Visayas and other areas affected by Paeng.

Canada, US ready to help

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered yesterday his sympathies to the victims of tropical storm Paeng, saying the Canadian government is ready to provide assistance.

“The images and reports coming from the Philippines following Tropical Storm Paeng break my heart,” Trudeau tweeted.

“To those who have lost loved ones, and to those who know someone who went missing or was injured: Canadians are keeping you in our thoughts. We stand ready to provide assistance,” he said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported 48 deaths, with 33 of the confirmed casualties from the Bangsamoro region.

United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said the US government stands ready to assist the Philippines following the typhoon’s devastation.

“Heartbreaking to see the devastating effects of #PaengPH. I offer my thoughts and prayers to all who are affected, especially friends and loved ones of the deceased,” Carlson tweeted.

“Our team is monitoring developments closely and stands ready to work with the government to assist. Please stay safe,” she said. –  Pia Lee-Brago