Relief assistance was extended to residents of Malapatan, Sarangani Province, days after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani on Monday morning, June 8, leaving dozens dead and hundreds injured.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go visited the municipality on Wednesday, June 10, to meet families who lost loved ones, residents who were injured, and others affected by the disaster. He was accompanied by Mayor Jun Sumbo Jr. and Phillip Salvador.
The relief activity was held at the Malapatan Evacuation Center, where affected residents received grocery packs, snacks, shirts, and financial assistance.
Sen. Go also visited the wakes of Rosie Batinoto, Jimmy Batinoto, Terinz Segafu, and Dailyn Mandangin Opong to extend condolences to their bereaved families.
“Pumunta po ako dito sa Malapatan, Sarangani para bumisita sa mga namatayan, sa mga nasugatan, sa mga biktima ng lindol. My condolences, my prayers. Magdasal lamang tayo palagi,” Sen. Go said in a media interview.
He urged residents to remain strong and to continue helping one another as affected communities begin the difficult process of recovery.
“Sa panahon ng sakuna, ang pinakamahalaga ay ang buhay ng tao. Magtulungan po tayo, magdamayan, at sama-sama tayong bumangon,” he said.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. on June 8, with its epicenter located offshore near Maasim, Sarangani Province, near General Santos City.
The Office of Civil Defense reported that, as of 6 a.m. on June 10, the quake had left 45 people dead, 17 missing, and 630 injured. Authorities also recorded 1,953 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 1.2 to 6.4 following the main tremor.
The Sarangani provincial government has placed the province under a state of calamity due to the effects of the earthquake.
Sen. Go said coordination would continue with concerned government agencies and local officials to help ensure that assistance and essential services reach affected residents.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, he also reminded injured residents and those experiencing trauma to seek medical assistance and avail themselves of available government programs.
In Soccsksargen, Malasakit Centers are available at Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in General Santos City, South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City, Soccsksargen General Hospital in Surallah, Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Kidapawan City, and Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital in Isulan.
After his visit to Malapatan, Sen. Go proceeded to Glan, Sarangani Province, to take part in similar relief efforts for earthquake-affected residents.