Erap vows more aid for ‘Pablo’ victims

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Former President Joseph Estrada vowed to extend more aid to Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, two of the provinces hardest hit by super typhoon “Pablo” that claimed more than 1,000 lives with over 500 others still missing.

Estrada arrived here Wednesday together with his son San Juan Rep. Joseph Victor Ejercito, and visited the capital town of Nabunturan in Compostela Valley and Mati City in Davao Oriental.

Estrada and his son turned over a P2.2-million check each as well as truckloads of used clothing for the typhoon victims to Compostela Gov. Arthur Uy and Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon Malanyaon.

“We hope to gather more aid for the victims of Pablo. They really need them,” he said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development is set to release an additional 10,000 sacks of rice to the Pablo victims in Mindanao. 

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman assured the affected families that they will continue to receive relief assistance from the government until they have recovered from the calamity.

Meanwhile, Estrada also visited Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Jesus Christ The Name Above Every Name congregation here, and later met with local political leaders like Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Davao del Norte Rep. Anton Lagdameo, and business magnate Antonio Floirendo Jr.