House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez condoled with the bereaved families and at the same time hailed the efforts of responders on Monday, Nov. 4, the day earlier designated by President Marcos as Day of National Mourning for the victims of severe tropical storm "Kristine".

"It is a day for every Filipino to pause, reflect, and honor the memory of those whose lives were tragically taken," Romualdez said in a statement. 

"This day of mourning calls us to compassion and solidarity. As we remember those lost, we extend our deepest sympathies to every family affected, to every community struggling to recover," he said, adding that House of Representatives "(stands) beside you, (shares) in your pain".

Romualdez said that over 100 Filipinos perished and "(left) behind loved  loved ones who carry the heavy burden of loss, and entire communities touched by sorrow".

"We also recognize and honor the selfless efforts of our responders, relief workers, and countless volunteers who have come forward to aid their fellow Filipinos," Romualdez said.

He noted that these individuals' "bravery and tireless dedication in the face of such hardship bring comfort to many".

"Your efforts represent the true Filipino spirit of 'bayanihan'—showing us that even in our darkest hours, there is always someone ready to lend support, ready to lift another up," added the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).

The observance of the Day of National Mourning came following Marcos' issuance of Proclamation No. 728.

"As we observe this Day of National Mourning, let each of us find it in our hearts to offer a moment of prayer, a word of comfort, or a gesture of kindness for those who are grieving and those who are rebuilding their lives. Let this day be a reminder that we are bound together, that we are a nation defined not just by resilience but by our deep compassion for one another," Romualdez said.

"Let this be a day when we, as Filipinos, reaffirm our spirit of resilience and togetherness, a time when we find strength in unity and a helping hand in every corner of our country," he further said.