A barangay hall in Malalan, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental destroyed by the earthquake. (PIA Davao)
DAVAO CITY – Mayor Jason John Joyce of Jose Abad Santos (JAS) town in Davao Occidental, one of the towns in the Davao region affected by Monday’s earthquake, has appealed for additional tents as among their urgent needs, saying that many of his constituents are expected to spend the night outside their homes following the tremor.
Joyce acknowledged that there would be tents from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) but more temporary shelters are still needed to accommodate affected families.
Joyce, who issued the appeal through his Facebook page, advised his constituents not to spend a night in their houses if they have cracks or damages.
Even barangay halls and gymnasiums are unsafe as they may have sustained damage due to the earthquake, Joyce said. He urged residents to stay in an open area and prepare food before dark.
Joyce offered to pay for the fuel expenses of his constituents if they need to bring patients to hospitals in the town proper or neighboring town of Glan in Sarangani province.
The mayor urged his constituents to use motorized pump boats should they need to transport their patients as most of the roads linking the coastal town of JAS to nearby towns of Don Marcelino and Malita (Davao Occidental) and Glan are impassable due to landslides.
Concerned offices and response teams are continuously conducting assessments and monitoring affected areas in JAS amid reports of damaged structures.
“We urge everyone to remain calm, stay vigilant, follow advisories from local authorities, and report any emergencies to their respective barangays. Together, let us prioritize safety and support one another during this challenging time,” the local government said.
JAS is one of the most remote towns in Davao region that shares boundary with towns in Sarangani.