While the Bicol region is still reeling from the impact of the recent slew of typhoons, Senator Win Gatchalian checked on how residents were coping from the devastation in Catanduanes, Albay, and Camarines Sur.
Gatchalian, along with Valenzuela City Congressman Wes Gatchalian, Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja and Councilor Rovin Feliciano met with the provinces’ officials to discuss recovery efforts, including the restoration of power and lines of communication, and strategies aimed at continuing children’s education.
“Talagang mas naging komplikado ngayon ang sitwasyon. May COVID-19 na nga, may mga bagyo pang dumadating. Maraming modules ang nasira. Maraming mga pamilya na lumikas at hindi na nadala ang mga modules. Pati mga computers ay nasira dahil sa sunod-sunod na mga bagyo,” expressed the veteran legislator in disappointment.
“Dalawang bagay ang nakikita ko dito. Una, habang unti-unting bumabangon ang mga nasalantang lugar, unti-unti na ring dapat magbigay ng mas marami pang modules, mag-imprenta at siguraduhing tuloy-tuloy ang pamimigay nito sa ating mga estudyante,” said the chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture.
The three provinces which were badly hit by typhoons Ulysses and Quinta and Super Typhoon Rolly were extended P6-million financial assistance — all coming from the budget of the city of Valenzuela, the hometown of the seasoned lawmaker.
Albay was given P2,200,000 cash.
Albay was given P2,200,000 cash: P1,000,000 for the Provincial Government of Albay, P300,000 for Tabaco City, P200,000 for the municipality of Camalig, P200,000 for the municipal government of Malinao, P250,000 for Daraga, and P250,000 for Guinobatan.
The lawmaker likewise checked on the aftermath of the typhoons in Camarines Sur and extended P2,500,000 cash to the province: P1,000,000 will go to the provincial government of Camarines Sur, P200,000 will go to the municipal government of Bato, P250,000 for the municipality of Buhi, P200,000 for Bula, P200,000 for Calabanga, P250,000 for Libmanan, P200,000 for Nabua, and P200,000 for the municipality of Pili.
Catanduanes also got assistance worth P1,300,000 cash: P1,000,000 for the provincial government of Catanduanes alone, and P300,000 for the municipal government of Virac.
Flooding incidents were reported in many municipalities in the region, as well as landslides in many towns. Thousands of families are still left homeless up to this day.
“Disaster response and recovery should entail public health protocols.”
Gatchalian emphasized that disaster response and recovery should entail public health protocols.
He also donated slippers, face masks, and face shields to ensure the welfare and safety of the people while the country is still battling COVID-19.