ZAMBALES 1st District Representative and Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun personally led relief efforts for families affected by heavy rains and flooding brought by the southwest monsoon, or habagat, in his district, while assuring residents of the immediate reconstruction of a damaged bridge in Barangay Sta. Fe, San Marcelino.

Khonghun visited evacuation centers and checked on displaced families in Olongapo City, Subic and Castillejos to assess their immediate needs and ensure the delivery of assistance.

In Olongapo City, Khonghun visited families evacuated from Barangays New Ilalim, New Kababae, Old Cabalan, Kalaklan and Sta. Rita due to heavy rains brought by the habagat.

DSWD Family Food Packs were distributed to evacuees staying in temporary shelters with the assistance of barangay officials and personnel.

In the municipality of Subic, Khonghun coordinated with the local government led by Mayor Jon Khonghun and Chief of Staff Janjo Khonghun, as well as the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and barangay leaders.

He also visited families evacuated from flood-prone and coastal areas of Barangay Calapacuan. Residents temporarily housed at Calapacuan Elementary School and the barangay covered court received DSWD Family Food Packs to help meet their basic needs while staying at the evacuation centers.

Khonghun thanked the Calapacuan barangay leadership headed by Chairwoman Tita Alver, as well as rescue and health workers who continued to assist displaced residents.

In Castillejos, the lawmaker also visited evacuation centers, checked on displaced families and distributed food boxes from the Department of Social Welfare and Development as immediate assistance to those affected by the flooding.

One of the areas severely affected was Barangay Sta. Fe in San Marcelino, where a bridge that had served as a primary access route for residents for 12 years was damaged after a large tree carried by the strong river current slammed into the structure.

The bridge's destruction severely limited access to and from the community, prompting Khonghun to return to Sta. Fe to distribute DSWD food packs in coordination with DSWD Region III, headed by Regional Director Venus Rebuldela, and barangay officials led by Chairperson Rico Diego Arquero.

Khonghun also inspected the damaged bridge and other infrastructure in the area to assess the rehabilitation work needed.

He assured residents that he would coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to facilitate the reconstruction of the bridge as soon as possible.

Khonghun said his office would continue providing assistance and support to affected families until their communities gradually recover and residents are able to return to normal life following the impact of the habagat.