Led by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., the House of Representatives vowed Wednesday (October 16, 2013) to provide whatever timely assistance is necessary to help  victims of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the provinces of Cebu and Bohol pull through the crisis.

“This unfortunate natural disaster once again calls upon us to exercise the resiliency and bayanihan our nation is known for and purposely do our share as individuals and members of organizations to help those who have fallen victims and have been displaced as a result of this tragedy,” said Belmonte, who is also the honorary chairman of the National Unity Party (NUP).

Belmonte said the House will come up with  a comprehensive assessment of the damage in the quake-devastated areas so that it could “fully respond to the crisis.”

“We shall offer whatever timely assistance is expected from us to help our brother Filipinos in these areas get back on their feet,” the Speaker said.

“I call on those in these affected areas to keep abreast with advisories from the NDRRMC and other authorized agencies in order to take further and necessary precautions, as preparedness has been instrumental at saving many lives and arresting potentially larger property damage. Assessment particularly of our aging structures is called for as well,” he added.