President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday consoled the victims of 6.8 magnitude earthquake in General Santos City, assuring that the government will not abandon them amid these trying times brought about by the natural disaster.
“Hindi po kami aalis dito. Ang ating mga different aid agencies, hindi po aalis ang mga ‘yan hangga’t lahat ng mga nangangailangan ay mabibigyan ng atensyon,” President Marcos said during the distribution of assistance to quake victims in General Santos City.
President Marcos said the government is continuously providing the necessary assistance to earthquake victims especially to those who temporarily took shelter at the evacuation centers while reconstruction of houses is still not feasible due to aftershocks.
The President emphasized that they are providing hygiene kits, temporary shelter, and sufficient water supply to quake victims, urging them not to hesitate to tell the government about their needs.
“Kaya’t asahan ninyo na nandito ang inyong pamahalaan para tutulungan kayo at magsabi lang kayo kung ano ‘yung inyong pangangailangan at kung kaya naming dalhin sa inyo ay gagawin po namin,” President Marcos said.
“Kami’y nakabantay. Asahan ninyo lahat ng maari naming gawin para tulungan kayo dito sa – dito sa kahirapan na dinadaanan natin ay tutuloy,” the chief executive added.
President Marcos visited General Santos City on Thursday afternoon to personally oversee the government response and to get personal update from both the local and national government on the extent of the damage caused by the tremor.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan accompanied President Marcos in visiting General Santos City.
President Marcos earlier presided over a situation briefing in Tacloban City where he received updates and reports on the government response in flood-hit areas in Eastern and Northern Samar.
The President assured that the government will continue the relief operations in both areas. PND
