P20M aid for Tondo fire victims expedited

HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez and Tingog Party-list have facilitated the request for the immediate release of P20 million in cash aid for 2,000 families affected by the fire on Saturday that hit Barangay 105 Aroma in Tondo, Manila. Each family will receive P10,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP). "We facilitated the request for the immediate release of P20 million for the families affected by the Tondo fire, following President Marcos' directive," Romualdez said. He said that cash aid would be provided with the help of DSWD Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian. On Sunday, the Office of the Speaker, in partnership with the Tingog Party-list led by Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre, led meal distribution efforts. "We have also mobilized our calamity funds to ensure that these families not only receive financial support but also have access to food and other essential items," Romualdez said. "Hot meals were distributed to the victims in coordination with the office of Manila 1st District Rep. Ernesto Dionisio Jr. to ensure that families have something to eat during this difficult time," said House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada Jr., referring to the feeding event on Sunday. "We prepared 2,500 servings of 'lugaw' and 'arroz caldo' for General Vicente Lim Elementary School evacuation center, and 1,000 servings each for the Barangay 105 and Barangay 106 covered courts [evacuation centers]," Gabonada said. Dionisio thanked the President, the House chief, and the DSWD chief for the assistance. "On behalf of the people of Tondo, I sincerely thank President Marcos, Speaker Romualdez, and Secretary Gatchalian for their support and quick action in addressing the needs of the fire-affected residents. Their leadership and compassion have been vital in helping the communities recover from this tragic incident," he said.