300 IDPs from Marawi receive social services

MORE than 300 internally displaced persons (IDP) from Marawi received relief goods as well as medical, and legal services yesterday at Almendras Gym.

Task Force Davao Civil Military Officer Mario Tena, in an interview with Sun.Star Davao, said that the IDPs availed of dental, checkup, legal services, and goods from 30 different partners.

"They availed of

medical, eye care services. Technical Education Skills and Development Authorities (TESDA) provided free haircut, livelihood traning was also provided by Department of Trade and Industry, and mini job fairs from the Department of Labor and Employment was also done for those who are qualified for jobs," Tena said.

He added that the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) also gave legal assistance for the IDPS.

Tena said that several organizations sponsored for slippers, school supplies, food and toys for the children of the IDPs.

Most of the IDPs in attendance were women and children.

He said that IDPs are present in 23 barangays in the city.

Meanwhile, Sally Mabalt, nine-month pregnant lady who joined the one stop shop said that these kind of services cannot replace the feeling of loss they feel now that they are homeless.

"Kahit anong ibigay sa amin ba na parang hindi sapat, maraming nawala sa pamilya namin, masakit ba kasi hindi namin kabisado ang Davao City, mahirap talaga. Ang bana ko ay nag-ikot2 para sa araw-araw. Dapat kasi binibigay nila sa amin ay kwarta, mas priority kasi sa amin pera, kasi araw-araw binibii ang pangangailangan," she added.

Mabalt said that she is worried because she was already about to give birth but their family is having a hard time with their expenses.

She said that they are now staying at Mini-Forest and her husband is working. KVC