The Ang Probinsyano Party-List embarked on the third phase of its week-long relief operations to areas battered by super typhoon ‘Odette’ in the Visayas and Mindanao.
From Bohol and Cebu where it handed assistance since Christmas eve, the party-list this time visited the town of Sison in the province of Surigao del Norte, which recently suffered a landslide anew due to heavy and persistent rains, to distribute 500 relief packs.
According to Analyn Bacasnot, municipal social welfare and development officer of Sison, 100 percent of their rice fields were destroyed by “Odette,” which was a big blow since agriculture is the primary source of living in their municipality.
The pack of goods that include biscuits, noodles, coffee, canned goods, soap and five kilos of rice, brought cheers to the typhoon victims, including Eufemia Villanueva, president of the senior citizens’ association in Sison.
Villanueva said she was traumatized when the super typhoon pummeled their province starting Dec. 16, 2021, with strong winds lifting the roof of their house.
From Sison, the Ang Probinsyano Party-List proceeded to Surigao City Port where it turned over another 500 relief packs for residents of Del Carmen town in Siargao, and also for Dinagat Islands. The goods were received by officials of the provincial planning office and staff of Dinagat Rep. Alan Ecleo.
The party-list’s last stop was Hayanggabon Port in the town of Claver where it likewise turned over relief goods for the municipality of Socorro.
Sibonga Mayor Lionel Bacaltos appealed for help, saying they are lacking in funds as most have been spent for pandemic-related concerns.
Over 2,000 houses were totally damaged while more than 8,000 were partially damaged in Sibonga.