By Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos
Malacañang has assured that the government will continue monitoring the situation and providing assistance to the people in the areas hit by two tropical cyclones.
In the spirit of Christmas, the Palace urged the public to help those affected by tropical storms “Urduja” and “Vinta.”
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said it is unfortunate that the two tropical cyclones, especially Vinta, happened a few days before Christmas.
“It is unfortunate that another tropical cyclone, Vinta, made its presence felt so near Christmas,” Roque said. “We in the national government shall continue to provide assistance to affected communities,” he added.
Vinta first made landfall in Cateel, Davao Oriental. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, thousands of individuals were affected by flooding caused by Vinta.
Several areas have experienced heavy flooding and landslides, Roque said, citing the NDRRMC.
The Palace official said that Department of Social Welfare and Development field offices in affected regions have activated their quick response teams and are coordinating closely with concerned local government units to immediately respond to the needs of the affected families.
“Repacking of relief goods in DSWD Field Office 10 is also ongoing to increase the current number of available family food packs in the office,” Roque said.
He added that the DSWD Central Office, field offices, and the DSWD National Relief Operations Center have total stockpile and standby funds amounting to P735,066,659.89.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar has asked the public to pray for and help those affected by the tropical cyclones.
“Those of us who are safe dito po sa Metro Manila at iba pang mga lugar, let’s keep on praying for our countrymen na naapektuhan po nitong bagyong ‘Vinta,'” Andanar said.
“Kung mayroon po tayong sobra na pwede nating ibigay, i-donate, itulong bilang ayuda, huwag po tayong mag-atubili. Just also for the spirit of Christmas,” he added.
Andanar said those who want to help can go to the nearest DSWD office.