Solon urges leaders to keep politics out of typhoon aid distribution

By Paulo DS Papa

CAMARINES Sur 4th District Rep. Arnie Fuentebella has appealed to local chief executives and barangay officials in the Partido area to ensure that politics does not influence the distribution of government aid for residents affected by Super Typhoon Uwan.

Partido suffered severe devastation from the typhoon, recording four fatalities — three in Garchitorena and one in Tinambac. Fuentebella said initial reports show both partially and totally damaged houses across the district, though assessments are still underway.

He urged barangay officials to focus on accurate reporting and fair assistance rather than political considerations. “Politics is not applicable in times of calamity but during election period,” he stressed in an interview.

According to the congressman, damage assessments from more than 200 barangays in Partido will be consolidated and turned over to the local disaster risk reduction and management offices. These records will be used to request additional support from national government agencies.

Fuentebella also disclosed that Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma has allocated ₱55 million under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program for typhoon-affected constituents. He appealed to mayors to ensure that the identification of beneficiaries remains free from political influence.

He further assured that national government assistance will be downloaded directly to local government units, not through the provincial capitol.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Bicol regional office reported that Super Typhoon Uwan caused ₱1.7 billion in losses to farms and fisheries in Camarines Sur — the highest in the region. DA spokesperson Lovely Guarin said the entire agricultural sector in Bicol incurred ₱3.7 billion in damages.

Guarin added that the DA has prepared ₱618 million in assistance for affected farmers and fisherfolk in the province, including seedlings, fertilizers, livestock, equipment, and cash aid, which will be distributed through cash cards issued to beneficiaries.