The provincial government of Davao Oriental sent a team on Tuesday to Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte to provide relief operations and disaster response to residents severely affected by Typhoon Odette last month.
In a statement, the provincial information office said the group is composed of around 90 personnel – a medical team, security personnel from the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police, food and logistics, and coordination units – who will turn over PHP500,000 cash assistance and conduct a three-day medical mission on the island.
Aside from the cash and medical services, the team will also turn over 1,000 sacks of rice, 300 boxes of canned goods, and 1,600 galvanized iron sheets with roofing nails and sealants.
Governor Nelson Dayanghirang said it is the province’s simple way of showing care to a neighbor who is in dire need of help.
“What we bring now to the people of Siargao is just a small aid compared to the scale of the devastation. But what truly matters most is showing care and compassion by letting the people feel that they are not alone in these challenging times,” he said, adding that the “bayanihan” spirit is important in such situations.
Dayanghirang added that the people of Davao Oriental could empathize with the people of Surigao as the province also experienced massive devastation way back in 2012 caused by Super Typhoon Pablo which destroyed towns.
“Just as Davao Oriental has been able to build back better, so can the people of Surigao,” he said.
Source: Philippines News Agency
