Senator Imee Marcos on Thursday rallied the public to channel the spirit of bayanihan (communal unity) to aid communities devastated by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8.
The massive tremor, which was centered off the coast of Maasim, Sarangani, has left a heavy toll.
According to the Office of Civil Defense, the disaster has claimed 47 lives, injured 688 individuals, and left 31 people missing.
Marcos emphasized that any form of assistance, no matter how small, would go a long way for the survivors.
“Kung ano ang abot-kayang maitutulong, miski tinapay at lumang mga damit at gamit, malaking bagay na,” Marcos remarked.
In a swift response to the crisis, representatives from the lawmaker’s office visited Barangay City Heights and the Central Command in General Santos City on Wednesday. The relief mission successfully distributed 3,500 Nutribuns and 3,000 bottles of water to displaced families in the area.
“Sa gitna ng sakuna, pinakaimportante ang mabilis na aksyon—pagkain at tubig ang unang kailangan ng bawat pamilya,” she noted.
In addition to immediate food and water provisions, Marcos pledged to supply galvanized iron (GI) sheets to help affected residents rebuild their damaged homes.
“Hindi nating pwedeng pag-antayin ang mga kababayang nangangailangan ng tulong. Gawin na dapat lahat ng makakaya para makaahon sila,” she added.
The senator also called on her fellow politicians to set aside partisan interests and personal agendas, urging a united and rapid response to support the disaster victims.