Presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo paid a visit to typhoon-ravaged towns in Palawan province to distribute relief goods and personally talk to residents who lost their homes and livelihood.
In a Facebook post, Robredo shared that she went to San Vicente and Roxas in Palawan on Wednesday morning, Dec. 22. She noted that several areas there, especially the coastal communities, were devastated by typhoon “Odette” (international name Rai).
The Vice President said she was given briefings by the mayors of San Vicente, Taytay, and Roxas about “the extent of the damage their towns suffered".
“Sharing with you some pictures from this morning. While these can give you a glimpse of how it looks like there, they can never encapsulate the heartbreak and feeling of helplessness of those who lost their homes and those who lost loved ones,” she posted on Wednesday night.
She brought with her 500 sacks of rice for the displaced residents of Roxas, which is among the hardest-hit towns in northern Palawan.
READ: ‘No agenda’: Robredo says helping typhoon victims is not about politics
Odette made its ninth and final landfall on Palawan on Friday afternoon, Dec. 17.
A volunteer also posted about his experience as part of the team Robredo’s relief efforts.
Quoting the Vice President, a certain Kyle Venturillo said Robredo assured the residents that she will not abandon them.
“We all know that Palawan is not a vote rich (province) but VP Leni Gerona Robredo is with us, para sa mga nangangailangan ng tulong (for those who need help). With that, maraming maraming salamat po (thank you very much),” he posted.
He wasn’t even aware that a barangay, called Sitio Pagadian, existed until Robredo visited it on Wednesday.
Aside from the relief goods for Roxas town, “tons of relief goods” are also expected to arrive for San Vicente town.
According to the locals, 95 percent of their town’s population “was greatly affected” by Odette.
Robredo has been busy visiting and bringing aid to Bohol, Cebu, Surigao, Siargao, Dinagat Islands, Southern Leyte, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Iloilo.
READ: Robredo visits Negros island, delivers aid to stricken communities