Romualdez leads relief distribution for Julian victims

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez led the distribution of financial assistance and relief goods for victims of Typhoon Julian, in partnership with Tingog Party-list and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Upon the instruction of President Marcos, Romualdez distributed P25 million worth of relief goods and facilitated the release of over P100 million in cash assistance to affected families.

The Speaker and Tingog Party-list, led by Representatives Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre, said they have identified 10 congressional districts that were hit by the typhoon.

They said they requested DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian to immediately release P10 million for each district under the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program or AKAP, a flagship program of the President.

“We ensure that each affected district receives the support they need to recover from this calamity. President Marcos will never turn his back on Filipinos displaced by Julian,” Romualdez said.

House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada Jr. said among congressional districts hit hard by the typhoon were those represented by Congressmen Ciriaco Gato of Batanes, Ferdinand Alexander Marcos and Angelo Barba of Ilocos Norte, Allen Mangaoang of Kalinga, Eleanor Bulut-Begtang of Apayao, Ching Bernos of Abra and Ronald Singson of Ilocos Sur as well as Ramon Nolasco, Jojo Lara and Aline Vargas-Alfonso of Cagayan.

In addition to the cash aid, the offices of Romualdez and Tingog prepared 5,000 relief packs each for 10 districts.

The relief packs, amounting to P25 million, was sourced from Romualdez’s personal calamity fund.