By: Alex Q. Galang
SAN MARCELINO, Zambales — Congressman Jay Khonghun is pushing for faster government intervention for Barangay Sta. Fe here, following damage to the bridge that has isolated the community and disrupted its primary access route.
Khonghun personally visited the affected barangay on August 16 to assess the extent of the damage, identify immediate requirements and coordinate assistance for residents affected by the continuing impact of the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat.
The visit was complemented by the delivery of family food packs and other essential supplies from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), led by Regional Director Venus Rebuldela, as authorities work to maintain the flow of relief assistance to the isolated community.
Beyond immediate relief, Khonghun conducted an on-site inspection of the damaged infrastructure to identify priority interventions and determine the requirements for restoring access to the barangay.
The congressman said the findings from the inspection would be elevated to the national government to facilitate the mobilization of resources and accelerate rehabilitation efforts.
“Sa panahon ng pagsubok, hindi tayo dapat nag-iiwanan. Tuloy ang pagtulong, tuloy ang pagkilos,” Khonghun said.
The situation underscores the importance of resilient infrastructure and reliable access routes for communities vulnerable to extreme weather, particularly those in geographically isolated areas.
Photo by: Subic Public Information
Khonghun was accompanied by San Marcelino Vice Mayor Jimbo Gongora, Board Member Elmer Tumaca and Councilor King Gutierrez during the field inspection.
The government’s relief response had already reached Sta. Fe on August 14, when the Philippine Air Force transported food packs to the isolated community by helicopter after the damaged bridge prevented conventional delivery of supplies.
The latest intervention highlights the need for a coordinated approach combining immediate humanitarian assistance with infrastructure assessment and rehabilitation to restore connectivity and strengthen the community’s resilience against future weather-related disruptions.