Senator Mark A. Villar expressed solidarity with the people of Mindanao following the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Southern Philippines.
The senator also extended his sympathies to the families who suffered loss, displacement, and hardship as a result of the devastation brought by the earthquake and its aftermath.
‘Taos-puso po akong nakiramay at nanalangin para sa mga nawalan ng mahal sa buhay, nasugatan, at sa mga pamilyang napilitang lumikas dahil sa sakunang ito. Sa ganitong panahon ng pagsubok, mahalagang maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan na hindi sila nag-iisa at handa nating silang tulungan’ Villar said.
He emphasized that assisting affected communities and addressing their immediate needs remained a priority as relief and assessment efforts continued in the affected areas.
‘Habang nagpapatuloy ang mga response at assessment efforts sa mga apektadong lugar, mahalagang maipaabot agad ang kinakailangang tulong sa ating mga kababayan upang makatulong sa kanilang pagbangon,’ he added.
As part of his relief efforts, Senator Villar sent sacks of rice and drinking water for distribution to affected families through the General Santos City Local Government Unit. The senator also assured affected residents that his office remained ready to provide additional assistance as needed.
‘Nais kong tiyakin sa ating mga kababayan sa Mindanao na narito tayo upang tumulong. Patuloy tayong makikipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan at iba pang kinauukulang ahensya upang masuportahan ang relief at recovery efforts sa mga apektadong komunidad,’ he said.
Villar likewise expressed confidence in the resilience and unity of the Filipino people as communities worked toward recovery and rehabilitation.
‘Sa pamamagitan ng bayanihan, malasakit, at pagtutulungan, naniniwala akong makakabangon ang ating mga kababayan mula sa pagsubok na ito. Kasama ninyo kami sa bawat hakbang ng inyong pagbangon,’ Villar concluded.