Harry Roque distributes aid for ‘Odette’ victims in Dinagat, Siargao islands

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque visits and delivers assistance to Typhoon Odette victims in Dapa, Siargao, Surigao del Norte before Christmas.

Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque has recently led the distribution of relief goods from various donors to Typhoon “Odette”-ravaged communities in Dinagat province and Siargao, Surigao del Norte.

Roque and his team personally delivered 7,600 food packs, 300 hygiene kits, and 500-gallon of six-liter water to residents with the help of the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, and local government officials of the provinces of Dinagat, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Butuan City.

“We intentionally provided our modest help first to the Dinagat Islands because it is very hard hit and now difficult to reach. We coordinated and met with Governor Arlene Bag-ao and Vice Governor Nilo Demerey, Jr. Politics should not come in the way of humanitarian assistance,” Roque said.

READ: Dinagat Islands ‘leveled to the ground’ by typhoon; governor appeals for help

Roque thanked private donors Artopian Internationale, EA Nation, WTG Group, Marswin Trading, and an anonymous donor “for contributing to our modest efforts to bring comfort, as well as a semblance of Christmas spirit to our kababayan in the Dinagat and Siargao Islands.”

“We are grateful to our Air Force and Navy personnel for helping us distribute the rice, canned goods, and mineral water in the hardest-hit areas, particularly in Dinagat Islands,” the former presidential spokesperson stated.

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque visits and delivers assistance to Typhoon Odette victims in Dapa, Siargao, Surigao del Norte before Christmas.

Roque acknowledged the typhoon aid coordination among local officials in Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Butuan. He assured Surigao del Norte Governor Francisco Tinio Matugas and Congressman Jose F. Matugas II that the relief goods are already in Butuan and will be transported to Siargao Island.

“We thank Congressman Lawrence Fortun for helping us purchase and repack the rice and canned goods in Butuan City,” Roque said.

Butuan has become a refuge for Typhoon Odette victims in the neighboring municipalities, Roque said. The city has also emerged as the gateway for mobilizing relief goods to Dinagat and Siargao.

“We thank Agusan del Sur Governor Dale Cordova and Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Lagnada for their help. It was faster to buy the food and water from Butuan than mobilize them from Metro Manila, “Roque added.