House urges swift gov't aid to typhoon-hit communities

The House of Representatives on Wednesday called on government agencies to promptly deliver assistance to communities ravaged by back-to-back Typhoons Tino and Uwan, as it expressed solidarity with affected families.

During the plenary session, the chamber adopted House Resolution 436, urging agencies to render immediate help to Filipinos devastated by Super Typhoon Uwan and Typhoon Tino, which have left at least 188 people dead and caused billions of pesos in damage.

The resolution expressed “the collective concern, compassion, and support of the House of Representatives for the people affected by the aftermath of Typhoon Tino and Typhoon Uwan,” and called on relevant government agencies and organizations “to intensify coordinated relief and recovery efforts.”

The measure was authored jointly by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos of Ilocos Norte, and House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan of 4Ps party-list.

“The House of Representatives reaffirms its moral and social responsibility to extend compassion and solidarity to Filipinos affected by calamities,” the resolution stated.

It also declared that House members would “collectively and individually rise up to meet the challenges of relief and rehabilitation in the typhoon-stricken areas for the purpose of providing any form of assistance to the victims.”

Lawmakers likewise commended personnel from national and local governments, as well as members of the private sector, who continue to take part in disaster relief operations.

“The House further acknowledges the steadfast commitment and unwavering dedication of local government units, national agencies, civil society organizations, and volunteers who continue to provide vital assistance and essential support to communities in distress,” it said.

On November 6, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. placed the entire country under a state of calamity, citing the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino and the anticipated onslaught of Uwan.

The declaration enables the government to utilize calamity funds to assist those affected by the typhoons—many of whom lost homes and loved ones due to severe flooding.

“The House of Representatives solemnly recognizes that in times of great adversity, the Filipino spirit shines brightest, demonstrating our enduring unity as a compassionate, resilient, and hopeful nation bound together by shared strength and solidarity,” the resolution concluded.—MCG, GMA Integrated News