Lagman thanks Romualdez, DSWD chief Gatchalian for 'timely assistance'
Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman (left), House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Facebook, Speaker's office)
Liberal Party (LP) President Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman has expressed appreciation for the "timely assistance" that the country’s top officials rendered to his constituents amid Mayon Volcano's restiveness. In a short but heartfelt statement Monday night, June 12, Lagman thanked House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian for their efforts. "I thank Speaker Martin Romualdez and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian for ensuring the timely assistance to evacuees and other affected families in the wake of Mayon’s volcanic outbursts," said the veteran lawyer-solon. "The people of the first district of Albay join me in expressing our deep appreciation for their prompt and generous assistance in our time of need," added Lagman. Lagman's district was one of three districts in the province that will benefit from the P33-million aid announced by Speaker Romualdez over then weekend. The assistance, which was put together amid Mayon's continued rumblings, consists of P1 million (P500,000 in cash and P500,000 worth of relief packs) from the Office of the Speaker and P10 million worth of payouts from DSWD's assistance to individuals in crisis situations (AICS) program for each of Albays first three districts. This totals to P33 million. Lagman is an independent minority congressman in the 300-strong House of Representatives.