P360 million aid earmarked for flood victims – Romualdez

MANILA, Philippines — In response to a directive of President Marcos, at least P360 million worth of assistance has been earmarked for flood victims in 36 congressional districts, Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez announced yesterday.

Romualdez said the assistance would be released by the Department of Social Welfare and Development headed by Secretary Rex Gatchalian under the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program or AKAP.

Each congressional district will receive P10 million in financial aid intended for residents affected by continuous rains induced by the southwest monsoon.

“This is just the beginning of our coordinated disaster response. This assistance will reach far and will not be the last. What is important is that the assistance of the Marcos administration is immediately felt,” Romualdez said in a statement.

In addition to the financial aid, Romualdez said food packs and relief items have been readied for distribution, including hot meals prepared by the Tingog party-list for evacuees taking shelter in schools, covered courts and other evacuation sites.

“We want to convey to the affected families that the Marcos administration is ready to help during calamities. You are not alone. We are with you in every step to recovery,” Romualdez said.

In Quezon City, 766 families taking shelter at the Bagong Silangan Elementary School were served hot meals by Tingog volunteers on Monday night. Similar relief operations were conducted in Marikina and Manila.