Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon relief caravan goes to CamSur

By Charen Vera

The Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon, a relief and rehabilitation caravan launched by the House of Representatives that aims to aid and support communities reeling from a series of devastating typhoons that hit the Bicol Region, reached CamSur on November 21, 2024 at the Fuerte CamSur Sports Complex, Cadlan, Pili.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez led the distribution of the financial aid alongside Ako Bikol Partylist Congressman Zaldy Co, Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte, CamSur 2nd District Congressman Lray Villafuerte, CamSur 5th District Congressman Migz Villafuerte, and CamSur Vice Governor Sal Fortuno, Jr.

During the event, Governor Luigi honored House Speaker Romualdez by presenting a resolution that officially recognizes him as the adopted son of Camarines Sur, acknowledging his unwavering support and steadfast commitment to the province's recovery and rehabilitation during these challenging times.

Over 11,500 beneficiaries received financial assistance through the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development amounting to P5,000 each and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program of the Department of Labor and Employment amounting to P3,950 each.

Among these beneficiaries is Ma. Luisa Fetil, a 65-year-old resident of Barangay Sto. Domingo, Milaor.

“Kang nakaagi pong bagyo, halos po lampas tao na po si [tubig baha]. Naglipat na po kami sa ibang harong and sa atop na po kami nagtururog ta grabe po si baha sa Milaor,” recalled Luisa, referring to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine that hit the province on October 21, 2024, and brought a record rainfall of 711mm in its first 24 hours and accumulated 931mm of rainfall for four straight days from October 20 to October 23, 2024 which caused massive and widespread flooding in the whole of Camarines Sur.

Ma. Luisa shared that all of their belongings were washed out and that despite evacuating to a neighbor’s house with higher flooring, they still ended up sleeping and awaiting the storm atop the roof.

“Masakit pa sa ngunyan, dai pa kami nakaka-recover,” Luisa admitted. Despite it all, she found hope and comfort in knowing that both the national and provincial government works hand-in-hand to aid their constituents in recovering.

“Maogmahon pong maray dahil saro man ako sa napili na magin benepisyaryo. Nakaresibe po kami sa AKAP nin P5,000, gagamiton mi po iniyo para sa pang-aroaldaw ming pagkabuhay.” She also added that she will prioritize replacing the school uniforms and school supplies of her grandchildren that were damaged by the storm.

She also acknowledged the swift actions of the Provincial Government following the typhoons, “Salamaton man pong maray saindo. Once na igwa pong kalamidad, insigida po an saindong tabang, yaon po an pag anduyog nindo.”

In addition to the financial assistance, various national government agencies joined the caravan to offer their services.

The Department of Trade and Industry put up a help desk for inquiries and business owner and consumer complaints. They also set up a Diskwento Caravan where beneficiaries bought basic needs at a discounted price. The Government Service Insurance System, Social Security System, and PAG-IBIG also set up a help desk. The National Irrigation Administration opened a Kadiwa ng Pangulo, where they sold rice for 29 pesos per kilo. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development also awarded housing materials to beneficiaries with totally damaged houses.

The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur also stationed its Ka Fuerte Mobile Kitchens to provide hot meals and its Dental Clinic on Wheels, Laboratory Diagnostic Vans, Hospital on Wheels, Women's Wellness on Wheels, and Eye Clinic on Wheels to provide free medical services to all.CV