DBM chief vows inclusive gov’t aid to typhoon-hit Dinagat Islands
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman visited the Province of Dinagat Islands on November 12, to reaffirm the national government’s commitment to inclusive disaster response, especially to the farthest towns of Tubajon and Loreto as areas greatly ruined by Typhoon Tino.
“Huwag po kayong mag-alala pinadala kami dito para makita natin ang sitwasyon ninyo, kung kumusta kayo.
(Do not worry, we were instructed to come here to see the real situation of the province and to check on everyone),” the Budget Secretary said.
“Rest assured that our report will reach the President,” Sec. Pangandaman added. “Ang gusto po ng ating Pangulo ay makarating hindi lang sa Luzon at Visayas ang tulong para sa ating mga kababayan… hanggang Mindanao po. (The President wants that assistance will not only be given to our fellow citizens in Luzon and Visayas… but should also reach Mindanao).”
She assured the Dinagat Islands provincial government headed by Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr., alongside Tubajon Mayor Simplicia P. Pedrablanca and Loreto Mayor Doandrebill A. Ladaga, that the national government will continue to provide aid for the devastation that Tino brought to the province.
Together with the Dinagat Islands Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the provincial government shared the ongoing implementation of a recovery plan to expedite the province’s recovery phase.
Meanwhile, Pangandaman also led the distribution of essential services to affected families and communities in the towns of Tubajon and Loreto such the 2,600 family food packs and 250 tents from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), including the 397 non-food packs from the Office of Civil Defense.
She also steered the turnover of the five units of Starlink device from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to the following schools, namely, Tubajon Central Elementary School, TMG High School, Barangay Liberty Elementary School, Loreto Central Elementary School and Loreto National High School.
For Gov. Demerey, this meaningful engagement is a tangible result of sincere coordinated efforts between the government and the local officials resulting in efficient delivery of assistance and timely recovery of affected communities in the island province.
The visit of DBM Secretary in the Province of Dinagat Islands, serving as the first cabinet member to step foot in the province during the aftermath of Typhoon Tino, boosted the morale of the Dinagatnons and assured them that we have a caring government, regardless of location and distance – near or far. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from PDRRMO Dinagat Islands)