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Up to P411 million has been poured into a large-scale relief operation for the benefit of families severely affected by typhoon "Kristine". 

According to Speaker Martin Romualdez, the relief operation--launched by the House of Representatives--was ordered by his cousin, President Marcos. 

As part of this operation, Speaker Romualdez facilitated the request for the immediate release of P390 million in cash aid, which will be distributed to 22 districts affected by the typhoon in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and Mimaropa, as well as through four party-list representatives. 

“Malinaw po ang direktiba ni Pangulong Marcos: walang pamilyang Pilipino ang maiiwan sa pagtulong ng pamahalaan sa mga nasalanta ng bagyong Kristine. Ito ang pangako natin sa sambayanang Pilipino, lalo na doon sa mga matindi ang naranasan sa kalamidad na ito,” said Romualdez. 

(President Marcos gave a clear directive: no family will be left behind in the government’s relief efforts for typhoon Kristine's victims. This is our promise to the Filipino people, especially those who were severely affected by this calamity.) 

“We are making sure the government’s assistance reaches our affected countrymen as quickly as possible,” added the leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives. 

Additionally, House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada said the Office of the Speaker and the Tingog Party-list are preparing 2,500 relief packs per representative--for a total of 62,500 packs worth over P21 million--to be distributed to families affected by Typhoon Kristine. 

Gabonada said a separate relief mission was also being prepared by Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations. 

Gabonada says that the P15-million cash assistance per district and party-list representative will come from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program under Secretary Rex Gatchalian. The aid is expected to reach beneficiaries in the coming days. 

The relief efforts are being coordinated with Tingog Party-list, which has been instrumental in providing on-the-ground support for the affected areas. 

Romualdez bared that the districts covered by this aid include some of the most affected areas in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa, where typhoon Kristine caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. 

“We know how difficult the situation is for our fellow Filipinos, and we are here to help. We will ensure that these funds go directly to the recovery and rebuilding efforts in these communities," said the Leyte 1st district congressman. 

Gabonada, who is overseeing the logistics of the relief operations, confirmed that the cash aid will be distributed over the next few days. He stressed that the assistance will focus on the immediate needs of the typhoon victims. 

“The AICS funds will be directly distributed to those in need. We have set up mechanisms to ensure that the aid reaches the constituents of the affected districts as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Gabonada said. 

Romualdez said: “This is a coordinated effort between the national government and local representatives, and we will ensure that aid is delivered promptly as instructed by President Marcos."