South Cotabato, Philippines – The Provincial Government of South Cotabato was among the first local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao to extend humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the recent earthquake in Davao Oriental.
Less than 24 hours after the tremor struck, Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. personally coordinated with the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental to facilitate the immediate delivery of relief goods to the affected areas. The initiative reflects South Cotabato’s strong commitment to inter-provincial cooperation and disaster response readiness.
The relief operation was jointly spearheaded by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Office of the Provincial Engineer, which mobilized the transport of essential supplies including 500 hygiene kits, 50 kitchen kits, 500 food packs, 100 sleeping kits, and 50 sacks of rice (25 kilograms each).
According to PDRRMO Head Rolly Doane Aquino, the province remains well-prepared for emergencies, noting that “South Cotabato still has sufficient relief assistance in stock to sustain its disaster response operations.”
The quick response effort once again highlights South Cotabato’s consistent record in extending help beyond its borders. The province had also been among the first responders during previous earthquakes that hit parts of Cebu Province.
Governor Tamayo emphasized that solidarity among local governments is crucial in times of crisis, reaffirming South Cotabato’s readiness to lend support whenever and wherever it is needed.
