Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday urged supporters to divert intended donations for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to Filipinos affected by the onslaught of Tropical Storm Enteng.
In a statement, Duterte expressed her gratitude as some of her supporters planned to support the OVP programs through donations.
“Sa pinsalang dala ng bagyong Enteng, hinihikayat namin na kung may nais kayong i-donate, nawa’y ito’y ibigay na lamang sa mga kapwa nating kababayan na kasalukuyang lubos na naapektuhan ng pag-ulan at pagbaha (Due to the effects of TS Enteng, we are urging whoever wants to donate to just give it to our fellow Filipinos who were severely affected by the heavy rains and flooding),” she said.
As of Tuesday, 37,867 families or 147,024 individuals were reportedly affected by Enteng, leaving 10 persons dead and 10 others injured, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Duterte also urged supporters to just utilize their resources for the welfare of their families, especially in times of increasing inflation.
“Nais rin naming ipabatid na higit na mahalaga ang unahin ninyo ang inyong mga sariling pangangailangan at ang kapakanan ng inyong pamilya (We also want to tell everyone that it’s more important to prioritize yourself and the welfare of your families),” she said.
“Nauunawaan namin ang mga hamon na hinaharap ng bawat isa, at naniniwala kami na ang inyong mga pinagkukunan ay mas marapat gamitin para sa inyong kapakanan sa panahon ng ganitong mga pagsubok (We understand the challenges faced by each and every one, and we believe that your resources is better spent for your own sake especially in times of crisis).”
The OVP vowed to continue its programs for the public, including medical and burial assistance, kalusugan (health) food trucks, livelihood assistance and libreng sakay (free ride), among others.
On Monday, the OVP provided hot meals to health workers and first responders at the Rizal Provincial Hospital and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Morong, Rizal, including members of the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Army. (PNA)
