Speaker endorses aid for Puerto Princesa fire victims

HOUSE Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has endorsed aid for victims of the fire that occurred early Wednesday in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that has befallen the residents of Barangay Pagkakaisa and Barangay Bagong Silang,” said Romualdez, who is serving as caretaker of Palawan’s third district, following the death of Rep. Edward Hagedorn.

“In these trying times, it is imperative that we come together as a nation to support our fellow Filipinos. THE PROVISION OF financial assistance is a crucial step in our concerted efforts to aid in their recovery,” added Romualdez.

According to a statement from the speaker’s office, the fire affected over 450 households and over 900 families.

The Puerto Princesa City Social welfare and development office was finalizing the tally of those affected by the fire, according to the statement.

Romualdez endorsed the allocation of funds under the 2024 national budget law.

This included providing aid of P10,000 per affected family, through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The speaker’s office, in coordination with the DSWD and other relevant agencies, was working to expedite the distribution of aid, according to the statement.

They are in close communication with the local government unit of Puerto Princesa to ensure that all the needed support is promptly and efficiently provided, the statement added.

The offices of the speaker and tingog Partylist prepared food packs for the victims.