Mayor to Dabawenyos: Be a ‘source of strength’

By Ralph Lawrence G. Llemit

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio urged Dabawenyos to be the “source of strength, joy and hope” to the victims and survivors of Typhoon Odette this Christmas.

“Let us not forget the victims and survivors of Typhoon Odette who need our help and prayers as they face loss and despair. Together we can be their source of strength, joy and hope,” Duterte-Carpio said in a recorded video message uploaded on the Mayor Inday Sara Duterte Facebook page Wednesday evening, December 22.

The mayor recently spearheaded the city government’s relief assistance to typhoon-stricken areas in Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Dinagat Islands, and Negros Occidental.

She had to postpone her final State of the City Address last Monday, December 20, to join in the relief operations.

Duterte-Carpio, on Sunday, December 19 also sent off the rescue and medical teams from City Health Office, Davao City Central 911’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), Fire Auxiliary Services (FAS), Southern Philippines Medical Center doctors, and social workers from City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) bound for the Municipality of Ubay, Bohol Province, for relief and rescue operations to Typhoon Odette victims there.

In addition to her Christmas message, she also sent her wishes to the Filipinos to celebrate the Yuletide season amid the challenges faced this year.

“This Christmas, may you and your families be blessed with abundance, good health, peace of mind, and love,” Duterte-Carpio said.

“The year has been very difficult but it should not dampen our spirit as a people called to share and celebrate the love of Jesus with others,” the mayor added.

She also called on Filipino families celebrating Christmas to make it a special moment for them to remember the sick, the hungry, those in need, the victims of abuses, children on the streets, the homeless, and those away from their homes and families – soldiers, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and health frontliners.

Duterte-Carpio also wished the entire country “peace, healing, and unity”.

She also hoped that 2022 would be a more stable, merrier, and more peaceful year for everyone. RGL