‘Bayanihan’ spirit thrives amid catastrophe wrought by ‘Odette’ in Southern Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY––The spirit of “bayanihan” (self-help) continues to live amid the devastation brought by Typhoon “Odette” that hit Southern Leyte province hard.

Leyte, led by Gov. Leopoldo Dominico Petilla, has donated an ambulance to Southern Leyte to be used by its disaster risk reduction management office.

The city government of Ormoc, Leyte, on Monday allocated funds for the five Southern Leyte towns that suffered the most.

The towns of Liloan, Limasawa, Pintuyan, San Francisco, and San Ricardo, will receive P1 million each for its disaster response.

Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez earlier sent rescue teams, equipment, and food to Southern Leyte.

Several non-government organizations and those in the private sector, and other local government units outside and within Eastern Visayas have also donated food packs to the city and other towns battered by “Odette.”

Among the local governments from the region that sent personnel or food packs were the cities of Tacloban, Catbalogan, and Borongan, and the provincial governments of Biliran, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar.

While various government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Armed Forces through the Office of Civil Defense deliver food aid and shelter kits, there are still areas that lack or have yet to receive assistance.

Limasawa Mayor Melchor Petracorta said that while they were thankful for the assistance from the government, they still needed more aid as these were not enough to meet the essential needs of his constituents.

He also hoped that the government or private groups would help grant livelihood to affected families as part of long-term assistance.

Petracorta said the typhoon destroyed almost all boats, either for fishing or transport purposes.

A shopping mall based in Tacloban City has opened special cashier lanes for Southern Leyte people.

Typhoon survivors from Southern Leyte came to this city to buy their essentials or withdrew their money at various banks or ATM booths.

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