Davao de Oro readies assistance for residents
By Iona Finlay C. Mendoza
DAVAO de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy said the Provincial Government will coordinate with local government units (LGUs) in assisting those who have been affected by Typhoon Odette.
In a Facebook Post on December 18, 2021, the governor said they are preparing the necessary requirements in order to give financial assistance to LGUs that have been hit hard by the typhoon.
“I have requested the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to coordinate with our Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Governor Maricar Zamora to process the necessary requirements,” said Uy.
The Provincial Government will also organize a donation drive where individuals and organizations can donate food, water, and hygiene kits to families and individuals who need it most.
The governor also reminisced the help received by Davao de Oro from kind-hearted individuals and organizations when the province was gravely destroyed by Typhoon Pablo 9 years ago.
In 2012, Davao de Oro, then called Compostela Valley Province, was one of the provinces gravely hit when Typhoon Pablo made landfall in Mindanao.
In New Bataan town alone, over 30 people drowned. The typhoon caused landslides and floods that took lives and destroyed communities.
It was considered the strongest typhoon to ever hit the island region at the time.
Now, the governor said it is time for the province to give back and help in places where they are needed most.
“I remember in 2012 nga daghang tao gikan sa lain-laing lugar ug background ang mihatag og tabang kanato (I remember in 2012 when many people from different places and backgrounds gave us their help),” said Uy. “Karon, aduna kita’y higayon nga ibalik tanang kaayuhan nga ilang gidalit kanato kanila pinaagi sa paghatag og tabang sa labing nanginahanglan (Now, we are giving back the generosity they have shown us by helping those who are gravely affected).”
Those who want to help may donate bottled water, rice, ready-to-eat food, hygiene kits, face masks, alcohol, blankets, and clothes.
Individuals may drop their donations at the Prayer House near the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Office at the Provincial Capitol or at the Municipal Risk Reduction and Management Offices of each municipality in Davao de Oro.
