Surigao City Hall Gymnasium, Rizal Street, Surigao City
February 12, 2017
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte visited and spoke before the people of Surigao City during the ceremonial distribution of family food packs and burial assistance at the Surigao City Hall Gymnasium, Surigao City.
The province was hit by a devastating 6.7 magnitude earthquake on Friday evening (February 10), damaging not only the infrastructures and roads, but most importantly, the lives of the Surigao residents.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) reported six (6) deaths and more than 100 injured. The city was declared under a state of calamity.
In his speech, President Duterte shared his sentiments regarding the quake that hit Surigao. “…Naa sa Bibliya na ang tanang panghitabo diri sa kalibutan naa gyuy panahon… panahon sa kasadya, birthday, selebrasyon, araw… apan naa gyapon tay panahon sa kaguol….” (There is a certain time for everything that happens in this world, time for happiness, birthday, celebrations, but there’s also a time for worries), he said.
The President added that the government would help the people of Surigao. “Naa koy buhiang kwarta gamay, sustehan gyud to nako ‘tung mga nawad an ug panginabuhi.” (I will release a small amount of money and provide for those who lost their source of living), he stressed.
Moreover, the President expressed his views regarding the mining industry especially in Surigao where a number of mining companies are operating. “Og naa koy makit an na industriya na makailis ana, basin ako gyud sirhan kay guba gyud ang atung kabukiran…” (If I can find another industry that could replace that (mining), I might consider to close it because it really destroys our mountains), he said.
The Chief Executive was joined by Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy Taguiwalo who led the ceremonial distribution, Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones, Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar, Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, some national officials, and the local government officials of Surigao.
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