New majority senators visit quake-hit Mindanao
MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian, with Senators Erwin Tulfo, JV Ejercito, and Migz Zubiri, visited earthquake-hit communities in Sarangani province and General Santos City on Thursday to deliver food and cash assistance to affected residents.
According to the senators, their visit aims to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake and ensure that immediate and targeted government intervention reaches the hardest-hit communities.
READ: Mindanao earthquake death toll climbs to 47
“We are here not only to bring assistance but also to personally determine the needs of our fellow Filipinos and help them recover,” Gatchalian said in Filipino.
Rehabilitation
In an ambush interview on Thursday afternoon, Gatchalian expressed his condolences to families mourning the loss of their loved ones, describing the damages that they saw as “saddening.”
“This shows how important it is for our infrastructure to be designed and built to withstand major earthquakes,” Gatchalian added.
Ejercito added they communicated with the local government officials to pinpoint which bridges and roads must be prioritized so that people can go back to their normal lives.
READ: New Senate majority to donate one month’s salary to quake victims
No politics
Meanwhile, Zubiri said they hope to bring long-term help.
“We are all united in this. There is no politics here… Whether from the minority, the majority, or any other group, we are all working together to provide assistance to our fellow Filipinos in Mindanao,” Zubiri said in Filipino.
Coordination
Moreover, Tulfo, who currently chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that investigates the anomalous flood control projects, said they would coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways to review the quality of infra projects, particularly school buildings.
The senators turned over P2.5 million in cash assistance and sacks of rice to affected families in General Santos City and Sarangani province, particularly in the municipalities of Alabel, Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, Maitum, Malapatan, and Malungon.
Earlier, the new majority pledged to donate one month’s salary each to support relief and recovery efforts in communities devastated by the earthquake. /jpv
