Robredo visits evacuees in Rizal, Marikina

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo personally visited some evacuation centers in Rizal and Marikina to distribute relief assistance and assess the situation of those displaced by Typhoon Ulysses.

On Thursday night, Robredo distributed relief supplies to evacuees at Kasiglahan Village Elementary School in Rodriguez, Rizal and residents of Barangay Tumana in Marikina.

The two areas were among those heavily affected by the typhoon.

The OVP team distributed relief supplies, including hot meals, blankets and diapers for babies. In a Facebook live video following her visit, Robredo urged the public to help in relief efforts to assist those heavily affected by Ulysses.

She also disputed allegations that her team brought the media during her visit, stressing that it was only a small team from her office that went to the evacuation centers.

“We posted our visits to show our donors where their donations go,” she said in Filipino.

“We promised to take some footage to give you an idea what is the situation. We again encourage bayanihan because a lot of countrymen need help,” she added.

According to OVP, they have set in motion efforts to help communities reeling from the effects of Ulysses.

While the typhoon was barreling through Luzon, Robredo facilitated requests for the rescue of families and individuals stranded in flooded areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

“For this, the OVP is in coordination with government agencies conducting rescue operations, to whom these requests are referred. We are also working with private partners to provide much needed assets, like trucks and boats, to affected areas,” it said.

“We are likewise monitoring areas in need of immediate assistance. The office has touched base with affected local government units to inquire about the urgent needs in their respective communities, and commits to immediately respond to the best of our limited resources, and with support from partners and donors,” it added.

The OVP has also mobilized its relief assistance operations at its office in Quezon City, with Robredo personally leading the distribution to affected areas.

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