House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez says he is expediting the release of P40 million worth of government aid or "ayuda" to affected residents following Kanlaon Volcano's sudden eruption. 

Romualdez announced Tuesday, June 4 that he has coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the allocation of P20 million each under the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD). 

AKAP is a DSWD program, while TUPAD is dispensed by DOLE. 

On top of these, some P4 million worth of food packs from the Speaker’s Disaster Assistance Fund are being readied for the eruption victims. 

hese funds will provide much-needed support to affected residents in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental, ensuring they have the resources to cope with the disruptions caused by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano,” the Speaker said. 

The leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives said the affected residents in the first district of Negros Oriental, represented by Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong, and the fourth district of Negros Occidental, represented by Rep. Juliet Marie de Leon Ferrer, will each receive P10 million from AKAP and P10 million from TUPAD. 

He says this financial support is intended to help residents whose livelihoods and employment have been disrupted by the volcanic eruption. 

AKAP is a program aimed at supporting those classified as "near poor", such as minimum wage earners, to prevent them from falling below the poverty line. 

TUPAD, on the other hand, is a community-based program that provides immediate relief to those facing economic hardships, including displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers. 

Moreover, the House chief has allocated a total of P4 million worth of food packs, with P2 million designated for each district from his Disaster Assistance Fund. This is meant to address the immediate needs of the affected residents. 

“By providing these food packs, we aim to meet the urgent needs of our communities and ensure no one goes hungry during this difficult time," he stressed. 

Romualdez emphasized the importance of President Marcos’ leadership at this time. 

"President Marcos' directive was clear: we must act swiftly and decisively to provide relief to those affected by this natural disaster. His commitment to the welfare of our people is unwavering, and this aid package reflects that dedication,” said the Leyte 1st district congressman . 

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that Kanlaon Volcano erupted at 6:51 p.m. on Monday, June 3.