Party-list lawmakers have mobilized their local volunteer networks and partners in areas hit by the 7.0-magnitude earthquake to bring aid as they also called on the lower House and government agencies to pass measures that would help the victims get back on their feet.
Ang Probinsiyano and BHW Party-list groups tapped their local volunteers all over Luzon to respond to the earthquake that struck the Northern Philippines on Wednesday, July 27.
“Pinakikilos na namin ngayon ang mga volunteers ng Ang Probinsyano Party-list sa buong Luzon para tugunan ang anumang pangangailangan ng ating mga kapwa probinsyano (We have mobilized Ang Probinsyano Party-list volunteers in the entire Luzon to respond to the needs of our fellow probinsyano),” Ang Probinsiyano Party-list Rep. Alfred Delos Santos said in a statement.
He added that their volunteers shall “proceed with caution” because of the continuing aftershocks.
BHW Party-list Rep. Angelica Natasha Co, on the other hand, said they have reached out to their various chapters to coordinate aid and collect donations, but lamented that many barangay health workers were also affected by the earthquake.
“We are checking how many and the status of our BHWs and their neighbors who were directly affected,” she added.
Delos Santos and Co highlighted the need to pass bills that would help prepare for such disasters, with the Ang Probinsyano lawmaker insisting on the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) bill, the Laging Handa bill, and the Animal Calamity Rescue bill.
Co, for her part, wants to pass the Magna Carta of BHWs.
READ: Magnitude 7.0 earthquake jolts parts of Luzon — Phivolcs
“It has now become most urgent for BHW Party-list to give its strongest push for swift passage of priority bills. In times of disasters and more so before disasters strike, we need the proposed Medical Reserve Corps, Philippine Center for Disease Prevention and Control, and fully-functioning State Universities and Colleges Mental Health Services,” she said.
She also wants to deepen her group’s working relationship with other sectors of barangay health and wellness, including the caregivers, physical therapists, massage specialists, hair stylists, pedicurists, manicurists, barbers, fitness trainers, and gym entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, Pinuno Party-list Rep. Howard Guintu condoled with the victims of the earthquake and called on the Pag-IBIG Fund, National Housing Authority (NHA), Social Security Services (SSS), and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and other government agencies and key shelter agencies, to declare a loan moratorium for the quake victims.
He also said the national and local governments must declare a state of calamity in the affected areas, so the victims can avail of calamity loans.
The lawmaker then asked the House of Representatives to prioritize House Bill (HB) 2028 or the Resilient Housing and Human Settlements Act for a sustainable housing program that would ensure the safety of Filipinos in times of natural disasters.
READ: Abra hardest-hit by magnitude-7 earthquake in Cordillera
Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee also sympathized with the quake victims and hoped that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) could finish the clearing operations of the roads affected by the earthquake so aid can reach the victims quickly.
“Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa lahat ng kawani ng gobyerno, volunteers at sa mga nagpaabot at nagpapaabot ng tulong—mula sa mga gamot, tubig, pagkain at tulong pinansyal—para sa mga apektado nating kababayan (We thank all government agencies, volunteers and those who provide and continue to provide help—from medicines, water, food, and financial help—for our affected fellowmen),” he said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS) recorded the 7.0-magnitude earthquake Wednesday morning with its epicenter in Abra, but it also severely affected several areas in the Cordillera, including Benguet.
The impact was also felt throughout Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
The strong tremor badly damaged buildings in Northern Luzon and triggered landslides. People had to evacuate buildings, while the rail services in Manila had to be stopped.
Five were already confirmed dead by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).