Tolentino: Courage, faith of Leyte, Samar residents an inspiration
The courage and faith shown by the people of Eastern Visayas in rising from the devastation of super typhoon Yolanda in 2013 serves as an inspiration to all Filipinos. This was stressed by Reelectionist Senator Francis ‘TOL’ Tolentino in his speech at the Alyansa campaign rally held in Plaza Libertad, Tacloban City.
Tacloban City – Reelectionist Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino has commended the people of Eastern Visayas for their courage and faith in rising from the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.
“Your courage and faith serve as a hallmark of our character as a people. You are an inspiration to all Filipinos!” Tolentino told the audience at the Alyansa campaign rally held in Plaza Libertad in this city.
It was Tolentino, then-chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), who led the national government’s rescue and relief mission to Tacloban City and several areas in Leyte and Samar that were heavily damaged by Yolanda.
During his speech, Tolentino acknowledged Dionisio “Joning” Delingon, 57 years old, a fisherman, and Yolanda survivor from Anibong, Tacloban City.
The courage and faith shown by the people of Eastern Visayas in rising from the devastation of super typhoon Yolanda in 2013 serves as an inspiration to all Filipinos. This was stressed by Reelectionist Senator Francis ‘TOL’ Tolentino in his speech at the Alyansa campaign rally held in Plaza Libertad, Tacloban City.
“Manong Joning lost his wife and youngest child to Yolanda. Two of his children survived; they were rescued,” Tolentino said.
“I stayed here for two months, at a tent in RTR Plaza. During that period, I met a lot of people like Manong Joning,” he added. “Every time I come to Tacloban, to Guian, Sulat, and General MacArthur (all in Eastern Samar), and Palo and Tolosa (Leyte), I am reminded of your resilience as a people.”
Tolentino also acknowledged John Wendel Manaba, a 21-year-old motorcycle rider, as well as 20-year-old college student Roxanne Salentes Maquilan, both Tacloban City residents.
The senator then shared his work and advocacies for their respective sectors. For riders, these include passing the bill amending the Doble Plaka Law; halting the LTO prohibition on temporary license plates; and pushing for the passage of a measure that would accord benefits to delivery riders under the Labor Code.
For students, Tolentino shared his key amendment to Senate Bill 2699, which would mandate substantial discounts for students in their purchase of internet load. The bill has passed the third and final reading in the Senate.
