Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, representing Albay, has stepped up to aid those impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, known internationally as Trami, which wreaked havoc across Bicol, Luzon, and the Visayas last October. On November 7, 2024, Zubiri personally delivered 200 sacks of 50-kilogram rice to the Albay provincial government and an additional 150 sacks to the Libon municipal government, a town with personal significance as it is his mother’s hometown.
During a press conference, Zubiri expressed his commitment to supporting his fellow Albayanos, stating, ‘I had to come here and extend some help, not just as a public servant but as a son of Albay as well.’ He explained his delayed visit was to avoid disrupting national government operations. The relief, amounting to nearly PHP2 million, was funded personally by Zubiri and sourced from local Albay stores.
Beyond immediate relief, Zubiri emphasized the need for long-term solutions to the country’s recurring flood issues. ‘Our help cannot end with relief operations. We need proper infrastructure and effective flood control projects,’ he stated, highlighting the importance of these measures for the livelihood and safety of Filipinos. He also voiced strong support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bicol River Basin project, stressing the need for efficient and effective design.
Zubiri remains hopeful that the ongoing Senate budget deliberations will enhance flood mitigation efforts. He plans to discuss further support for Albay and the Bicol region with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Public Works and Highways during the finalization of their budgets next week.
Additionally, Zubiri is set to extend his relief efforts to Camarines Sur, where he will provide 250 sacks of rice to the provincial government.