The government is set to release P360 million in emergency financial aid under the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) to support families devastated by Severe Tropical Storm Crising and the intensified southwest monsoon, which have brought days of relentless rainfall and widespread flooding in parts of Luzon and the Visayas.
Former Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is eyeing reelection as House leader, confirmed Tuesday that the Department of Social Welfare and Development will allocate P10 million each to 36 congressional districts. These include flood-stricken areas such as Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, Pasig, Taguig, and other parts of Metro Manila, as well as Palawan.
“This is just the beginning of our coordinated disaster response,” Romualdez said. “This help will go a long way, and it isn’t the last yet. What is important is that we immediately feel the assistance from the Marcos administration.”
Communities have been grappling with waist-deep flooding, prompting suspension of classes and government work. Landslides were also reported in Cebu, while violent floodwaters destroyed 49 houses across Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Negros Island Region. In Tawi-Tawi, more than 200 families lost their stilt houses to rising waters.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that at least 362,465 families — or over 1.2 million individuals — have been affected by Crising and the prevailing habagat, made worse by the presence of two low-pressure areas spotted by PAGASA.
As of early Tuesday, six people have died, including two who were struck by falling trees in Camiguin and Surigao del Norte. At least five others remain missing as rescue efforts continue. Authorities warn the threat isn’t over, as further heavy rains and flooding are expected in the coming days.
