HR00662: RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO WORK WITH ALL THE CONCERNED AGENCIES TO PASS THE PROPOSED SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET TO EXPEDITE EFFECTIVE AND RESPONSIVE ASSISTANCE TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THE TAAL VOLCANO ERUPTIO
House Resolution No. 662 expresses the support and commitment of the House of Representatives to work with all concerned agencies to pass a proposed supplemental budget. This budget aims to expedite effective and responsive assistance to those affected by the Taal Volcano eruption, which occurred on January 12, 2020. The eruption led to a declared Alert Level 4, affecting an estimated 459,300 people within the danger zone, with 271,278 individuals directly impacted and 148,514 displaced into evacuation centers. The provinces of Batangas and Cavite declared a state of calamity, highlighting the urgent need for vital resources such as food, water, shelter, household items, and basic health services.
The resolution's significance for the people lies in its direct response to their immediate suffering and long-term recovery needs. With initial economic losses estimated at Php 7.63 billion and agricultural damage at Php 3.06 billion, the existing Calamity Fund for local government units was rapidly depleting. By committing to pass a supplemental budget, the House of Representatives aims to ensure that sufficient funds are available for relief and rehabilitation efforts, thereby alleviating the challenging situation faced by affected families and ultimately helping to restore normalcy to the devastated regions.