Courtesy: House of Speaker Martin Romualdez
REELECTED Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Tingog Party-list on Wednesday mobilized immediate and comprehensive relief operations for almost 600 families displaced by the fire that struck Barangay Addition Hills on July 5.
In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the office of Mandaluyong City Lone District Rep. Alexandria “Queenie” Pahati Gonzales, the response aims to provide both urgent and sustained assistance to affected residents.
“Ang ganitong mga trahedya ay pagsubok sa ating katatagan, pero panahon din ito ng pagkakaisa. Ang ating tanggapan, kasama ang Tingog at mga kasamahan sa Kongreso, ay handang tumugon saan man at kailanman,” said Rep. Romualdez, the Speaker of the 19th Congress.
The relief operations began on July 6 with the distribution of hot meals to around 1,000 individuals.
The distribution of almost 600 relief packs, each containing rice, canned goods, noodles, and coffee, took place Wednesday at the parking area of the Mandaluyong College of Science and Technology.
Gonzales thanked Speaker Romualdez, Tingog Party-list, and the Marcos administration through the DSWD for the immediate assistance.
“I thank Speaker Martin Romualdez, Tingog Party-list, and the DSWD for their swift response and continued support. Their immediate assistance is a testament to our shared commitment to serving the people of Mandaluyong with compassion and urgency,” said Gonzales.
Starting July 14, the DSWD will release P10,000 in financial assistance per family under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. A total of P6 million is now being facilitated for this initiative to help families recover and rebuild.
“This is a time for action, not just empathy. We are committed to making sure that government support reaches the ground quickly and meaningfully,” Rep. Romualdez said.
“For every family affected by this fire, we want you to know you are not alone. We will be with you every step of the way,” Rep. Romualdez added.
Rep. Romualdez also acknowledged the strong collaboration with Gonzales, wife of former House Majority Leader Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales II, who has been actively coordinating local efforts.
“I thank Rep. Queenie Gonzales for her dedication to her constituents. Her swift coordination on the ground ensures that help is delivered efficiently and with care. This is what public service should look like—united, focused and people-centered,” Rep. Romualdez said.
Tingog Party-list, represented by Reps. Andrew Julian K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre, said the effort is part of their ongoing commitment to bring the Marcos administration programs closer to communities in crisis.
“Public service means being present on the ground, especially when our kababayans are most vulnerable. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that no one is left behind,” the Tingog Party-list said.
