The C-130 from Singapore (Philippine Air Force)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez thanked the Singaporean government for their generous assistance to the victims of typhoon "Kristine", particularly its lending of air force assets that delivered critical aid to the areas hardest-hit by the storm. 

Romualdez thanked Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See for sending a C-130 aircraft to help in the efforts to reach thousands of Filipino families affected by Kristine, which has caused widespread devastation across the Philippines. 

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) deployed a C-130 transport aircraft to assist in the distribution of humanitarian aid supplies, particularly in the Bicol region, one of the areas most affected by the typhoon. 

This gesture, according to Speaker, underscores the strong bilateral relationship between Singapore and the Philippines and highlights the importance of regional cooperation during times of crisis. 

Romualdez noted that the aid from Singapore was a significant boost to the ongoing relief operations spearheaded by the Marcos administration and the House of Representatives as well as other government agencies. 

“We truly appreciate this gesture. Singapore is a true friend of the Philippines,” the House leader from Leyte said. 

The House of Representatives has been actively involved in the relief efforts, having earlier mobilized over P411 million in financial aid to 22 districts and four party-list groups affected by the typhoon. 

The expanded assistance includes additional funds and relief goods such as 2,500 relief packs per representative, provided in partnership with the Office of the Speaker and Tingog Party-list. 

Romualdez also emphasized the importance of international support in addressing the scale of the disaster caused by Typhoon Kristine, which has displaced over 2.6 million people. 

“Hindi biro ang pinsalang idinulot ng bagyong ito. Ang tulong mula sa mga kaalyadong bansa tulad ng Singapore ay nagbibigay-lakas sa ating bayanihan spirit na magtulungan at magkapit-bisig sa pagbangon,” he said. 

(The devastation caused by this storm is no joke. Assistance from our allied countries like Singapore gives strength to our bayanihan spirit and helps us rise together.) 

Romualdez also reassured the public that the House will remain steadfast in supporting the recovery and rebuilding efforts. 

“Hindi po kami titigil hangga’t hindi nakakaabot ang tulong sa lahat ng nangangailangan. Tinitiyak po namin na ang tulong pinansyal at relief goods ay makakarating sa mga pamilyang nawalan ng tahanan at kabuhayan,” he stated. 

(We will not stop until the assistance reaches everyone in need. We ensure you that financial aid and relief goods will reach the families that lost their homes and livelihood.) 

Earlier, Ako Bicol Party-list, in partnership with the Speaker, had launched an extensive relief and rescue operation across Bicol following the devastation of Kristine, and reached thousands in need of immediate assistance. 

Speaker Romualdez answered Ako Bicol’s call for aid by dispatching 20 rubber boats, outboard motors, and essential rescue equipment, which were delivered via a C130 military aircraft, and distribute relief goods. 

The shipment, which arrived at the height of search and rescue operations in Bicol, included life vests, life buoys, traction ropes, and rope throwing bags to strengthen local rescue efforts. 

“These tools were vital as we faced severe flooding that displaced thousands of our kababayans,” said Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co. “We are deeply grateful for Speaker Romualdez’s prompt action.”