MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go has assured victims of Typhoon Odette that the Duterte administration is doing everything it can to assist them and bring their lives back to normalcy.
Go joined President Duterte in an aerial inspection of the hardest-hit areas in Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands and Southern Leyte last Saturday. Yesterday, the President and his party visited Bohol and Negros.
After surveying the damage at Surigao airport, they conducted an aerial inspection of the Dinagat Islands before proceeding to Maasin City in Southern Leyte, where they extended aid and met with leaders to discuss rescue and recovery efforts.
Upon returning to Surigao City, they distributed relief and met with key national and local officials.
Go gave assurance that the government would provide all assistance needed by communities to help in their recovery. He thanked all government officials, first responders and volunteers who are doing their best to respond to the disaster and save lives.
“We will do everything we can so you can recover from this crisis. The administration cares for you and will not abandon you,” he said in Filipino in a statement.
Concerned agencies are working fast to restore power, communications and water supply to affected areas as rescue, recovery and relief operations are underway in the hardest-hit areas, according to the senator.
“The entire government is here to fulfill its duty,” he said.
Go warned that the typhoon could exacerbate the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases as evacuees are forced to stay in crowded temporary shelters.
He urged authorities to ensure the strict implementation of health and safety protocols, and provide the necessary medicines, health and hygiene supplies at every evacuation center.
Go reiterated his commitment to push for the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience to ensure a quicker, more proactive and holistic government response to calamities and other natural disasters.