Vice President Leni Robredo believes her presence in relief operations gives hope and assurance to the victims of typhoons and other calamities.
She reacted to detractors who claim she is using calamities as photo opportunities.
On the other hand, people loyal to Robredo fear that her field work could only increase her exposure to COVID-19.
“I am always being asked why I bother to be there in our relief operations when I can always assign a team to do that for me. During relief operations after calamities, personal presence is very important,” Robredo said.
“Perhaps it is even more important than the relief packs we give. Our presence on the ground gives people hope and an assurance that they are not forgotten.”
Robredo said the people appreciate her public presence.
“Reassuring presence is not so much about holding big events or meetings but in the simple, everyday conversations with ordinary people,” she said.
“Just giving people access to us without worrying about protocols or formalities is very much appreciated already.”