Beneficiaries of rice assistance under the Tabang Bikol-Tindog Oragon relief initiative welcome Speaker Martin Romualdez (center) and thanked him for helping them when he arrived at the Jessie Robredo Coliseum for the Naga City leg of the aid caravan. (PPAB)

LEGAZPI, Albay--An estimated P850 million worth of aid was rolled out here Thursday, Nov. 21 under the House of Representatives-led "Tabang Bikol-Tindog Oragon" program that was created specifically to help victims of destructive typhoons "Pepito" and "Kristine" across Bicol.

Over 170,000 typhoon victims from Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Albay benefitted from the aid distribution once the dust settled.

“This united effort is a testament to the resilience and bayanihan spirit of the Filipino people. As we rebuild lives and communities, let us continue to work hand-in-hand for a stronger and more prepared nation. Rest assured, your government remains steadfast in providing support and hope during these trying times," said House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who oversaw the event Thursday.

The large-scale relief initiative was launched in cooperation with Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, pursuant to the directive of President Marcos to respond to needs of those affected by the successive typhoons.

The aid provided to the victims covered financial support, home repairs, and livelihood restoration.

Last Monday, a convoy of 24 trucks carrying food, hygiene kits, clothing and other essential items relief gathered from a nationwide donation drive left the House of Representatives in Quezon City to deliver critical assistance to the affected communities in the Bicol. 

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co, a proud son of the Bicol region, also helped organize Tabang Bikol-Tindog Oragon. “This program underscores Speaker Romualdez’s dedication to uplifting Filipinos in need,” he said. 

“Our sincerest gratitufe to Speaker Martin and the House of Representatives for bringing hope and concrete assistance to our people. Through this program, we can significantly aid many Bicolanos in recovering from the successive typhoons," added Co. 

The first leg of the program kicked off Thursday morning at Plaza Rizal in Virac,  Catanduanes. Some P100 million in cash assistance was doled out to an estimated 20,000 beneficiaries in the province. 

Included in the aid package for the people of Catanduanes were 10,000 packs of relief goods and 140,000 kilograms of rice, as well as housing materials for 950 families.

The focal point of the relief effort in Albay was at Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legazpi City. Allocated for the province was a total of P255 million in cash assistance for an estimated 53,000 beneficiaries. 

Likewise included in the assistance package for Albay typhoon victims were 180,000 kgs. of rice, and shelter assistance payout for 356 families amounting to P6.6 million.

The relief operations in Camarines Sur was held at the Jessie Robredo Coliseum in Naga City, with a total of P125 million in cash assistance earmarked for over 25,000 beneficiaries. Some 75,000 kgs. of rice and housing materials were also distributed to 50 families. 

The last leg of the Tabang Bikol-Tindog Oragon aid caravan was held at the Ka-Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur. Distributed to 34,000 beneficiaries were a total of P164 million in cash assistance and 132,000 kgs. of rice.

“This initiative is not just about providing relief goods or financial support; it is about showing solidarity and compassion. We are here to assure every affected family that they are not alone in this journey toward recovery,” Romualdez said. 

“I thank our local government units, partner organizations, and volunteers for their dedication and hard work. Together, we will rebuild stronger and more resilient communities."

He cited the importance of fostering partnerships in disaster response. 

Donations gathered for the aid drive include hundreds of sacks of rice and canned goods contributed by various groups, such as Tingog Party-list, PHILRECA, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and private donors.