By Nimfa Estrellado Collage of Senators Loren Legarda, Francis Tolentino, and Sherwin Gatchalian and PAGCOR officials assessing the damage c...
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| Collage of Senators Loren Legarda, Francis Tolentino, and Sherwin Gatchalian and PAGCOR officials assessing the damage caused by Typhoon Aghon in Quezon Province. (Photos from Quezon PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - A robust relief effort is underway in Quezon Province after Typhoon Aghon caused widespread damage, including downed power lines, damaged roads, and flooding. Senators Loren Legarda, Francis Tolentino, and Sherwin Gatchalian are leading the efforts to help displaced residents in need of food, water, and shelter. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council declared a state of calamity on May 27th for the 1st and 2nd districts.
Local authorities, national agencies, non-profit organizations, and volunteers have united to provide critical assistance to those affected. Key relief efforts currently underway include the distribution of essential supplies: food, water, and other necessities are being delivered to affected communities to address immediate needs.
Temporary housing is being established for those who have lost their homes, ensuring their safety and well-being. Teams are working diligently to clear debris, repair damaged roads and power lines, and restore essential services. Ongoing efforts are focused on evaluating the full extent of the damage to effectively allocate resources and coordinate relief operations.
The Philippine government has committed to providing financial aid to those impacted by the typhoon. Additionally, a call for donations has been issued to further support the relief effort. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to contribute food, water, clothing, or financial assistance to reputable local charities and relief organizations.
In a video message, Senator Legarda assured the recipients of her continued support for programs that deliver social services and provide immediate assistance to disaster victims.
"We are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Typhoon Aghon," said Senator Legarda. "But we are also inspired by the resilience of the people of Quezon Province and the dedication of those working tirelessly to provide relief. We are committed to supporting the recovery effort and ensuring that those affected receive the assistance they need."
Quezon receives Widespread Aid and Support
Typhoon Aghon victims across Quezon province received a wave of financial assistance, relief goods, and support from government officials and agencies throughout the week following the disaster. The Provincial Government, under the leadership of Quezon Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan and Vice Governor Anacleto "Third" Alcala, spearheaded a comprehensive aid distribution effort across all four districts of Quezon.
On Wednesday, May 29th, the distribution of the Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program took place in Brgy. Camohaguin, Gumaca, and Quezon, focusing on the fourth district. In collaboration with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and the Provincial Treasurer's Office (PTO), Gov. Tan led the provision of relief for 1,628 beneficiaries from the towns of Atimonan, Calauag, Guinayangan, Gumaca, Lopez, Plaridel, and Tagkawayan. Among them, 833 received educational assistance, and 795 were given financial assistance for medical, burial, and other needs.
Also on May 29, 2024, aid distribution efforts continued in Mauban, Quezon, where 866 residents of Sampaloc and Mauban received AICS assistance with the help of Senator Imee Marcos. The Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed 3,000 food packs to further support residents facing hardships due to the typhoon.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), through its Community Relations and Services Department has also donated 3,000 food packs to Quezon Province on May 31, 2024. The donation was received by Vice Gov. Alcala, PDRRM Officer Dr. Melchor Avenilla, Jr., and PSWD Officer Sonia Leyson, along with 1,000 hygiene packs from the Office of Civil Defense CALABARZON.
In Dolores, on June 2, 2024, 698 beneficiaries received Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) in a collaborative effort between the offices of Senator Loren Legarda and Governor Tan, along with the PSWDO and PTO. Of the beneficiaries, 589 had partially damaged homes, and 59 had completely damaged homes due to Typhoon Aghon. Additionally, 50 dialysis patients received financial aid to help with their immediate treatment needs.
In Pagbilao on June 6, 2024, 700 families who lost their homes received financial aid from Senator Legarda and the Quezon provincial government. Gov. Tan led the distribution of aid at the Municipal Covered Court. The assistance, totaling P3,000 for partially damaged houses and P5,000 for totally damaged houses, was provided through the DSWD's Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) and Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) programs.
After DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian visited the town of Pagbilao in Quezon Province to personally deliver aid to victims of Typhoon Aghon, each family from the typhoon-ravaged barangays of Pinagbayan, Daungan, and Del Carmen received ₱2,000 in financial assistance to aid their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
He also distributed Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) to 1,800 beneficiaries from Mauban and 400 beneficiaries from Sampaloc. In addition to the financial assistance, 3,000 food packs were distributed to residents of Mauban and Sampaloc affected by Typhoon Aghon.
Also on Thursday, in Lucena City, 600 individuals affected by the typhoon received financial assistance from Senate Majority Leader Senator Francis Tolentino under the DSWD's AICS program. The distribution was held at the New Evacuation Center in Brgy. Mayao Crossing. Senator Tolentino also provided wheelchairs to six persons with disabilities (PWDs) who are residents of the city.
In Patnanungan, 479 people from the poblacion area have already benefited from the AICS program, with further payouts planned for the more remote barangays in the coming days. Governor Tan expressed her thanks to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian for the 2,000 boxes of relief food packs delivered to the people of Patnanungan.
Recognizing the impact of the typhoon on livelihoods, Gov. Tan assured that assistance will be provided to fishermen and farmers through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and in collaboration with national government agencies.
The provincial government reiterates its commitment to providing continuous service and support to all Quezon residents, especially in times of need. Financial aid, relief goods, and various forms of assistance are expected to help the affected families and individuals rebuild their homes and livelihoods, ensuring a swift and comprehensive recovery for the entire province.
Gov. Tan reassured residents that recovery efforts will be ongoing and comprehensive, focusing on rebuilding stronger and more resilient communities. She emphasized the need for basic necessities such as food, water, and medical assistance, and urged everyone to come together during this difficult time.
She also expressed gratitude to all the volunteers, organizations, and government agencies that have been working tirelessly to provide aid and support to those in need. Governor Tan encouraged residents to stay strong and united as they work towards rebuilding their lives and communities after the devastation caused by the natural disaster.
Gov. Tan remains steadfast in her commitment to the recovery and rebuilding of Quezon Province following the devastation of Typhoon Aghon. She is working closely with all stakeholders to overcome the challenges posed by the typhoon and ensure the province's swift recovery.
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