Velasco: Pray, offer help to people affected by Typhoon Odette this Christmas

SPEAKER LORD ALLAN VELASCO. Photo from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Friday urged the public to pray and give assistance to people affected by Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai), many of whom will face the Christmas season homeless and with loved ones gone.

“It is quite unfortunate and heartbreaking that Odette — one of the strongest storms to hit the Philippines in recent years — barreled through the archipelago and left massive devastation just a week before Christmas,” Velasco said in his Christmas message.

“As we celebrate the merriest season of the year, let us not forget to offer prayers and assistance to the victims of Super Typhoon Odette,” he added. “Let us help the typhoon victims in whatever way we can as they try to recover and rebuild their lives.”

Typhoon Odette made numerous landfalls when it crossed the Philippines last week. It wreaked havoc at every province along its path from Siargao to Southern Leyte to Bohol to Palawan, among other areas, uprooting trees, wiping out crops, flooding communities, ripping houses and structures, toppling power and telecommunications posts, leaving scores injured or dead.

Velasco also recognized that even if the country would celebrate the Christmas season while the health crisis continues to grip the world, there is a wave of optimism that this year’s celebration will be better than last year. He cited the existence of anti-coronavirus vaccines which are deemed crucial in the fight against the pandemic.

“With most people vaccinated and infection rates dropping, we are now enjoying more relaxed economic and social restrictions. The economy is starting to pick up, and it is our hope that these positive developments will continue until we finally reach the end of this devastating public health crisis,” the top leader of the House of Representatives said.

To recall, the 18th Congress approved the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021, which helped facilitate the rollout of vaccines in the country. It also passed the 2022 national budget that is crafted to bolster the country’s COVID-919 response and economic recovery.

“Rest assured that we in the House of Representatives will remain steadfast and resolute in enacting vital pieces of legislation that will help the country navigate through and emerge stronger from this pandemic,” Velasco said.

KGA