ASSISTANT Minority Leader and Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Gabriel Bordado Jr. expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support following the destruction caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
As one of the year’s most devastating typhoons, Kristine wreaked havoc across Luzon, the Visayas, and parts of Mindanao, leaving behind significant loss of life and widespread damage to homes, agriculture, and infrastructure.
“We are enduring the worst destruction we have seen in over three decades,” Bordado said, emphasizing the hardship facing the people of Bicol, particularly in his home province of Camarines Sur.
In a privilege speech, Bordado lauded the swift response of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose immediate mobilization of resources provided a critical lifeline for communities reeling from the storm’s impact.
“The President’s quick mobilization of resources is a crucial support to our battered communities,” Bordado said, underscoring the solidarity shown by the administration in the face of such adversity.
Bordado also commended Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for his proactive approach to distributing aid. Gatchalian’s efforts, supported by DSWD teams on the ground, ensured that essential relief reached affected families swiftly, bringing much-needed hope to those displaced by the storm.
Additionally, Bordado thanked fellow lawmakers, including Representatives Rufus Rodriguez, Maria Cynthia “Cindi” King Chan, Jack Duavit, and Jefferson “Jay” Khonghun, who were quick to answer his call for help, demonstrating that, in times of crisis, collaboration within government can make a powerful impact.
Beyond the government’s efforts, Bordado acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the private sector, specifically the Angat Buhay Movement led by former Vice President Leni Robredo.
“The Angat Buhay Movement’s silent yet steady work—mobilizing resources, coordinating volunteer efforts, and providing essential supplies—has been a lifeline for many families in the region,” Bordado shared, commending the movement’s commitment to community service and its role in easing the suffering of those most affected.
The scale of Kristine’s devastation has proven staggering, with over 145 people reported dead, 115 injured, and 37 still missing as of October 30. The agricultural sector, a backbone of Bicol’s economy, has taken a severe hit, with losses estimated at PHP 2 billion.
Camarines Sur alone accounts for PHP 1.1 billion of this, a catastrophic blow to the livelihoods of the province’s farmers and fisherfolk.
The storm has further disrupted education, with over 5,000 classrooms sustaining damage and vital infrastructure—including ports and major roadways—rendered impassable, complicating relief efforts and daily life for many residents.
Amid the destruction, Bordado called upon his fellow lawmakers to act decisively to help Bicol recover. He urged Congress to mobilize additional resources, allocate emergency funds, and establish long-term recovery programs to address the far-reaching impacts of Kristine.
“In light of this devastation, I appeal to my esteemed colleagues here in Congress to help Bicol rise again,” Bordado concluded. “May our collective efforts serve as a beacon of hope and solidarity for the people of Bicol and for all Filipinos who rise with courage in the face of hardship.”
