The bayanihan spirit was in full force as the Office of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, in partnership with military rescue units and local leaders, distributed 970 hot meals and 270 grocery packs to flood-affected residents and rescue volunteers in Manila, Marikina, and Rizal Province.
Under Cayetano’s Emergency Response Program, his team provided immediate aid to communities impacted by continuous rains and storm-related flooding.
The team distributed 250 hot meals in Barangays 262 and 264 in Tondo, Manila and 100 hot meals in Marikina’s District 1.
On July 23, the team distributed 250 hot meals in Barangays 262 and 264 in Tondo, Manila. The following day, July 24, the team visited Marikina’s District 1 to serve 100 hot meals in coordination with Councilor Carl Africa.
The outreach also extended to the Manila Port Area, where 70 grocery packs were distributed to members of the Baseco PODA (Padyak Operators and Drivers Association). The group is also a beneficiary of the veteran legislator’s Presyo, Trabaho, Kita/Kaayusan (PTK) Program — a livelihood initiative launched in 2013 aimed at empowering sectoral groups by providing accessible, low-interest loans to support small businesses and sustainable employment.
Simultaneously on July 24, the seasoned lawmaker’s team distributed 100 hot meals each in Taytay, Cainta, San Mateo, along with 200 grocery packs in San Mateo. These efforts were made possible through the support of Taytay Mayor Allan Martine De Leon, Cainta ABC President Janice Tacsagon, and San Mateo Mayor Omie Rivera.
The senator also made sure to recognize the tireless efforts of rescue volunteers. A total of 320 hot meals were delivered – 100 hot meals for the staff of Manila DRRMO (Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office), 100 for the 11th and 12th Civil Military Operations Battalion, and 120 for the 1304th and 1305th Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion.
His Emergency Response unit continues to provide relief (pantawid) and recovery/rehabilitation (pang-ahon) aid to Filipinos affected by disasters such as floods, fires, earthquakes, and landslides. These efforts are part of his long-standing push to establish a dedicated Emergency Response Department (ERD).
Senate Bill No. 105 or the Emergency Response Department Act aims to centralize government action to enhance the country’s disaster resilience.
Filed under Senate Bill No. 105 in the 20th Congress, the ERD Act aims to centralize government action to enhance the country’s disaster resilience, citing the country’s high vulnerability to natural calamities and climate change impacts.
Following the devastation nationwide caused by three storms and monsoon rains since July 18, 2025, Cayetano renewed his call for the measure’s passage.
While the bill is still pending, he remains committed to providing urgent aid and restoring hope in crisis-hit communities through ongoing Emergency Response operations.
