The relief operations of Ako Bicol Pary-list (Ako Bicol's Facebook page)

Ako Bicol Party-list, in partnership with House Speaker Martin Romualdez, has initiated extensive relief and rescue operations across the Bicol region following the onslaught of typhoon “Kristine”.

In a statement on Sunday, Oct. 27, Co said Romualdez answered the party’s call for aid by dispatching 20 rubber boats, outboard motors, and essential rescue equipment, which were delivered to Bicol via a C130 military aircraft.

The shipment, according to the lawmaker, arrived at the height of search and rescue operations in Bicol. He noted that it included life vests, life buoys, traction ropes, and rope-throwing bags, all intended to strengthen local rescue efforts.

“These tools were vital as we faced severe flooding that displaced thousands of our kababayans (countrymen). We are deeply grateful for Speaker Romualdez’s prompt action,” said Co, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations.

Co said the rescue equipment were distributed to key agencies, including the Camarines Sur local government, the 9th Infantry Division, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group, to boost their capabilities in conducting rescue missions.

Ako Bicol has so far distributed over 18,000 food packs across the region, with 12,218 provided in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and 5,793 sourced from the party’s resources. 

These relief packs have reached 19 barangays, mainly in Albay, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon.

In addition, 500 blankets and 2,000 modular evacuation tents have also been delivered to support displaced residents. 

Boss Toyo, Daddy Blue tapped

On Saturday, Ako Bicol partnered with social media influencers, namely Boss Toyo, Daddy Blue, and Bullet, to “provide relief and encouragement” to affected communities.

During the distribution, over 2,000 families across multiple barangays in Legazpi City were provided essential relief packs.

Co emphasized that the collaboration with influencers highlight Ako Bicol’s dedication to holistic support during crises.

“Nandito kami hindi lang para magbigay ng tulong, kundi para ipaalala sa ating mga kababayan na may kasama sila sa kanilang laban…Sama-sama, babangon tayo,” he stressed. 

(We’re here not only to help, but to remind our people that they are not alone in this fight… Together, we will rise.)

As typhoon “Kristine” exited the Philippine area of responsibility, Ako Bicol also mobilized heavy equipment, including bulldozers, backhoes, and dump trucks, to clear blocked routes across Bicol to restore vital access for relief operations.

Based on the latest figures from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), more than 5.7 million people were affected by the storm, with 85 confirmed deaths so far.