Cebu LGUs send aid to Mindanao quake victims

Cebu City officials headed by Mayor Edgardo Labella went to the earthquake-stricken towns in North Cotabato in Mindanao yesterday to distribute relief aid worth P10 million.

Labella went to the towns of Tulunan and Makilala with Councilors David Tumulak, Donaldo Hontiveros, and Prisca Niña Mabatid; some department heads; and doctors.

Labella said the city gave the survivors "things they really need the most."

"First, the trapals because they need shade. They need cover. They need shelter… water also because we all know for a fact that they really lack water, especially potable water. They have rice, they could not even cook the rice because of lack of water supply," Labella said.

The city government brought 10,000 gallons of water for the earthquake victims. They also brought the items identified by the assessment team led by Tumulak such as mosquito nets, sleeping mats, medicine, cooking utensils, hygiene kit, undergarments, and over the counter drugs.

Labella said the city chose not to give cash to make sure that the victims are provided with the necessary materials for their everyday use.

"If there's a need, then maybe we can augment," Labella said on the possibility of additional aid.

Labella said earlier it was important for the city to assess the situation on the ground to make sure funds would not be wasted. He said he does not want to repeat what happened at the aftermath of supertyphoon Yolanda when the city sent millions to other local government units but unsure if the money really went to the survivors.

The city's assessment team went to the earthquake-hit areas on November 4. Three municipalities were identified as badly hit: Magsaysay, Davao del Sur; Makilala, North Cotabao; and Tulunan, North Cotabato.

"There are only three towns that are badly hit and these are the only towns that we will provide the necessary relief assistance," Labella said.

Neighboring Mandaue City, meanwhile, turned over financial assistance worth P8 million to the survivors in Cotabato. The donation was received by Cotabato Vice Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza.

DSWD AID

In a related development, the Relief goods from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 have been received by the agency's counterparts in Region XI and XII.

The Philippine Coast Guard vessel MRRV 4406 containing the relief goods has arrived at the Cagayan Port and coast guard vehicles and DSWD-10 wing vans started delivering the goods on November 3 until November 6.

"It is DSWD's responsibility to help the victims of calamities regardless of belief, political color, and creed. We, the DSWD field staff, are committed to help not for any reason but because those affected by this disaster are our brothers and sisters in need,” said DSWD-7 Director Rebecca Geamala.

The DSWD office in Region 11 received 21,500 cans of sardines; 15,000 pieces malong; and seven rolls of laminated sack worth P3.9 million.

DSWD Region 12, on the other hand, received 48,500 cans of sardines; 15 pieces malong; and 43 rolls of laminated sack worth P4.4 million.

DSWD Region 12 also received 1,000 sleeping kits from the Visayas Disaster Response Center worth P2.3 million.

It was on November 2 when the team from DSWD-7 left Cebu for Cagayan de Oro City via the MRRV 4406 of Philippine Coast Guard District - 7.

Director Cezario Joel Espejo of DSWD FO XII and OIC-Director Grace Subong of DSWD FO XI have recognized the support given by DSWD 7 and other DSWD regional offices.