By Merlina Hernando-Malipot
Vice President Leni Robredo on Saturday expressed optimism that the Filipino people would be able to overcome the challenges they face - especially those who are still reeling from the aftermath of Typhoon Kammuri, locally known as “Tisoy.”
Vice-President Leni Robredo
(Mark Balmores / MANILA BULLETIN)
Robredo, in an interview during the Cerebral Palsy Community, Awareness, Rehabilitation, Empowerment, and Support Philippines, Inc. (CP Cares PH) Christmas Party at the Ampitheater, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City, noted that despite challenges, there are still other things to be hopeful and thankful for.
“Ako, very hopeful pa rin ako kasi iyong Filipino naman nasubukan na (I am very hopeful because Filipinos have experienced this before),” she said. “Nasubukan na sa gitna ng napakaraming unos, parating bumabangon muli (It has been proven in the midst of many storms, we have always managed to stand up again),” she added.
In the wake of devastation brought by “Tisoy,” Robredo said that the teams of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) already went to the affected areas. “Paalis ako mamaya, in-identify na namin iyong mga worst hit (I will be leaving later, we’ve identified the worst hit areas),” she said.
Robredo said relief operations will be rolled out in worst hit areas which include Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate - particularly in coastal areas. Citing initial reports, she noted that the number of houses that were destroyed by “Tisoy” was unprecedented.
“Halimbawa, for Sorsogon alone, libo iyong totally damaged na pinaka-kailangan talaga housing materials tapos iyong mga pananim na nasira, sobrang grabe kaya iyong nangangailangan talaga ngayon ng tulong, iyong mga magsasaka na naubos lahat tapos iyong mga nawalan ng bahay (For example, in Sorsogon alone, thousands of houses were destroyed so they need housing materials the most and then, the farmers need help also because their crops were also damaged),” Robredo added.
Robredo also acknowledged various organizations who have been extending help in the typhoon-ravaged areas and appealed for those who can still help. “Marami na din iyong tumutulong, maraming mga private organizations pero hinihikayat pa rin natin iyong karamihan na kapag mayroon naman silang kahit extra nila, ipantulong sa pagkain (There are many organizations who have been helping, most of which are private groups but I still enjoin those who can help, if they have extra, they can extend help especially food),” she said. “Pwede sa aming ipadaan o pwedeng ipadaan kahit kaninong organization na tumutulong doon (You can course it through us or through other organizations who extend help there),” she added.
The lady official, who hails from Bicol, said that Bicolanos have always been “very resilient” because they have been experience this all their lives. “Pero medyo malala kasi ito, iyong Tisoy…over the past several years isa na ito sa pinakamalakas na tumama kaya iyong damage talaga sa mga bahay, grabe (Typhoon ‘Tisoy’ was really strong and over the past years, this was really one of the strongest ones that hit us so the damage especially in houses was severe),” she added.
Amid all this, Robredo reminded others who were spared from the typhoon’s wrath to take on the responsibility to help others. “Iyong pagtulong naman, hindi naman kailangang malaki. Kahit isang pamilya lang iyong matulungan, isang buhay lang iyong matulungan, ang laking bagay na (Helping does not have to be big, if you can help one family, one person, it would be great),” she said. “Kasi parang symbol din iyon ng pagpapasalamat natin sa mga graces na dumating sa atin—iyong pagtulong sa iba (Helping would be like a symbol for being grateful for all the graces that come our way),” she ended.