Representative Elizaldy Co of Ako Bicol Party List.
AKO Bicol Party-List Representative Elizaldy S. Co on Tuesday extended his heartfelt gratitude to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez for spearheading significant relief efforts for Bicolanos affected by recent calamities, including Super Typhoon Pepito.
“Ang mabilis at maagap na aksyon ni Speaker Romualdez ay patunay ng kanyang malasakit at dedikasyon sa ating mga kababayang nangangailangan. Ang relief efforts na ito ay isang malaking tulong para sa mga kababayan ko sa Bicol na nasalanta, lalo na sa mga taga-Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, at Catanduanes na matinding naapektuhan,” said Co, a proud son of the Bicol.
(“Speaker Romualdez’s quick and prompt action is proof of his concern and dedication to our fellow citizens in need. This relief effort is a big help for my compatriots in Bicol who were devastated, especially those from Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Catanduanes which were severely affected.”)
The “Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon” initiative mobilized 24 truckloads of relief goods and P750 million in financial assistance for affected communities in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Catanduanes.
“This comprehensive relief operation demonstrates the power of unity and bayanihan. Lubos ang aking pasasalamat sa ating Speaker at sa lahat ng tumulong upang maisakatuparan ito (collective heroism. I am very grateful to our Speaker and everyone who helped to make this happen),” said Co, who is also House Appropriations Committee Chairman.
The lawmaker from Bicol said the initiative goes beyond immediate relief, highlighting its focus on sustainable recovery. He particularly lauded the coordination among government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and private donors, for addressing both short-term and long-term needs of the affected families.
“Napakahalaga ng mga ganitong programa na hindi lang nagbibigay ng agarang tulong, kundi nagtatayo rin ng pundasyon para sa muling pagbangon ng mga komunidad. Ako, bilang kinatawan ng mga Bicolano, ay patuloy na makikipagtulungan upang matiyak na maabot ang bawat nangangailangan,” Co said.
(“Such programs are very important as they not only provide immediate relief, but also build a foundation for communities to rebuild. As a representative of Bicolanos, I will continue to work to ensure that everyone who is need is reached.”)
The relief efforts include financial payouts to over 150,000 beneficiaries starting November 18 under the DSWD’s AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations) program, the delivery of essential supplies to affected areas, and a Mini-Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) on November 21 in key locations in Bicol.
Co reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with Speaker Romualdez and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure that affected families receive the support they need.
“Layunin natin ay hindi lamang ang maibalik ang normal na pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan kundi ang masigurado na sila’y mas handa sa mga hamon ng hinaharap. Tiwala akong sa tulong ng pagkakaisa, kaya nating malampasan ito,” Co said.
(“Our goal is not only to restore the normal life of our countrymen but to make sure that they are better prepared for the challenges of the future. I am confident that with unity, we can overcome this.”)
The “Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon” initiative stands as a testament to the government’s dedication to uplifting the lives of Filipinos and ensuring no one is left behind in the recovery process.
