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| President Rodrigo Roa Duterte visited Leyte province and distributed relief goods to those affected by Tropical Storm Agaton on Friday, April 15. Photo: Senator Bong Go/Facebook |
TACLOBAN CITY – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte paid a visit to Leyte province on Friday and distributed relief supplies to survivors of Tropical Storm Agaton, assuring them that his administration will continue to provide food and shelter to all those affected.
“So this is what I came here for, to let you know that the government has not forgotten you. I will say this again, and I repeat, food won’t be a problem,” President Duterte said during the distribution of relief assistance to survivors at Baybay City Senior High School.
“This is what I really came for. I just want to make you smile. I know what you’re going through, especially those who are wounded. It pains me, too. While conducting an aerial inspection earlier, Jalad told me that there’s a lot more.”
While he does not have a complete picture of the devastation, the chief executive stated that it is up to the mayors and other officials to ensure that the needs of those affected and the problems that have yet to be identified are met.
He also promised to assist Leyte residents in rebuilding their homes, saying, “You will be given a new house, but it would be a long process and not an easy one unless there’s a miracle. But the government will help you resettle first.”
During his visit, the President flew over Baybay City to inspect areas severely impacted by Tropical Storm Agaton.
He presided over a situation briefing with officials from various government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to assess the damages and casualties caused by the weather disturbance.
President Duterte paid a visit to the Malasakit Center at the Western Leyte Provincial Hospital (WLPH) in Baybay City before flying to Davao City.
During the hospital tour, he was accompanied by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Sen. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go. Senator Go is the country's primary proponent of the Malasakit Center project.
On Saturday, the President is expected to visit Capiz to assess the situation there. —Tacloban News Update (Source: PND)