Kababaihan Party-list Leads Flood Relief in Navotas and Valenzuela
After weeks of heavy rains that flooded parts of Metro Manila, Kababaihan party-list and OK Cares launched immediate relief operations in Navotas and Valenzuela on July 27, 2025. The collaborative effort aimed to support flood-affected families with essential supplies and care.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, a vocal advocate for women’s rights, participated in the relief drive. She emphasized the importance of addressing gender-specific needs during disasters. “We cannot overlook the gender-specific needs during disasters,” Gutierrez said. “Women require hygiene kits and sanitary napkins, while children need proper care and safe spaces. Beyond food and shelter, we must also ensure that evacuation centers are secure. Studies have shown that incidents of violence against women and children spike during disasters, and this is something we must proactively address. Relief efforts should be holistic, not just reactive. They must restore dignity and a sense of safety for the most vulnerable.”
Holistic Relief for Flood Victims
Kababaihan Partylist Representative Kate Coseteng highlighted that relief efforts extend beyond immediate aid. “When people lose their homes and livelihoods overnight, even small acts of help matter,” Coseteng explained. “What we bring today is not just food but hope—hope that someone is looking out for them and that they are not forgotten.”
The relief team, supported by local officials, distributed around 2,000 food packs each in Navotas and Valenzuela. They visited several barangays including Tanza 1 and 2, San Jose, Navotas West, NBBS Proper, NBBS Kaunlaran, and NBBS Dagat-Dagatan. Local leaders expressed gratitude for the aid and cooperation.
Focused Assistance in Valenzuela
In Valenzuela, the relief drive covered Barangay Gen. T. De Leon and Sitio Kabatuhan. Valenzuela 2nd District Representative Gerald Galang joined the efforts and thanked the teams for their generous support. The initiative demonstrated a strong partnership between civil organizations and government units to aid those hit hardest by floods.
Gutierrez pointed out that these relief missions also serve as learning opportunities. “Every relief mission is also an opportunity to listen—to understand what families truly need so government agencies and partners like Kababaihan can improve preparedness and response moving forward,” she said.
Coseteng added, “Kababaihan will always be present in times of crisis, but beyond relief, our goal is to advocate for long-term solutions so communities are not trapped in a cycle of disaster and recovery.”
For more news and updates on flood relief efforts, visit Filipinokami.com.
