By Michelle Ducut
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri delivered much-needed aid to communities in Albay that were severely affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) last October. On November 7, 2024, Zubiri personally turned over 200 sacks of rice to the provincial government of Albay and an additional 150 sacks to the municipal government of Libon, where his mother hails from.
Zubiri expressed his strong support for the local communities, emphasizing that his visit was not only a duty as a public servant but also as a son of Albay. He stated that the donation, worth nearly PHP 2 million, was fully funded from his personal resources. The rice donations, each sack weighing 50 kilograms, were sourced locally from Albay’s stores, ensuring that the aid went directly to local businesses.
The senator also reiterated the need for long-term solutions to address the country’s recurring flooding issues. He emphasized that relief efforts must be complemented by infrastructure and flood control projects. Zubiri voiced his full support for the Bicol River Basin project, a key initiative aimed at managing floods and improving water resources in the region. He called for more efficient and effective flood mitigation systems.
Looking ahead, Zubiri expressed optimism about the ongoing budget deliberations in the Senate. He said that next week, when finalizing the budgets of key departments such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Public Works and Highways, he would advocate for further support for flood control and disaster recovery efforts in Albay and the Bicol region. Zubiri also plans to visit Camarines Sur soon to deliver 250 sacks of rice to the provincial government.