Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. urged Filipinos spared by the wrath of supertyphoon “Yolanda” to take a  constructive role in helping their fellow countrymen in areas hit by the catastrophic storm get back on their feet.

Belmonte also called on his colleagues in the House of Representatives to study all possible means for the institution to immediately respond to ongoing efforts in helping victims of one of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded in history.

“I call on everyone to take on whatever constructive role they can and join us in government to assist our countrymen in these affected areas. We who have been spared have an even greater role to play towards recovery so that no challenge can get in the way of our goals for this nation,” Belmonte, who is also the honorary chairman of the National Unity Party (NUP), said in a statement.

According to news reports, rescuers in the hardest-hit area of Tacloban City have counted at least 100 dead and many more injured a day after typhoon “Yolanda” devastated the province of Leyte, leveling buildings and seaside homes in massive storm surges.

Another area of concern was Guiuan, a fishing town of about 40,000 people on Samar that was the first to be hit after Yolanda (international code name: Haiyan) swept in from the Pacific Ocean. Authorities have not yet made any contact with Guiuan.

“I will be calling on my colleagues at the House of Representatives to study all possible means for us to contribute as an institution to immediately respond, in the best way possible, to this crisis just as we have done so in the past,” Belmonte said.

His full statement follows:

“Our country has faced a series of trials highlighted by the most catastrophic storm Yolanda that just left us today. It has gone leaving a trail of devastation especially in the Visayas.

“This comes at a time when we are barely recovering from the 7.2 magnitude quake and compounded by a much publicized pork barrel scam, even as the Aquino government continuously works to institute reforms and bring improvements to our economic conditions.

“Although these are catastrophes and trials that should not be taken lightly, it also tests the resiliency and determination of our people -- traits we are also globally known for and which have helped us stand tall despite any adversity.

“We must be up to the test once again and not let this catastrophe destroy our resolve to pick ourselves up. This is a time to work together. It is a time for all of us to work in unity and in bayanihan to come out even stronger than before.

“I will be calling on my colleagues at the House of Representatives to study all possible means for us to contribute as an institution to immediately respond, in the best way possible, to this crisis just as we have done so in the past.

“I empathize with our countrymen reeling from the tremendous blow of this crisis and hope they are at least comforted by the thought that the rest of us are here and very willing to help.

“I call on everyone to take on whatever constructive role they can and join us in government to assist our countrymen in these affected areas. We who have been spared have an even greater role to play towards recovery so that no challenge can get in the way of our goals for this nation.”