South Cotabato, Philippines — As Typhoon Kristine wrecks several areas in Luzon, both physically and emotionally impacting communities across the Philippines, the province of South Cotabato has stepped up to provide aid and support in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region XII.
During the Gov Meets the Press on October 28, 2024, Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. emphasized that while South Cotabato has already sent assistance, the province remains prepared to extend further support as needed.
“Ginalantaw pa ta gyapon kung ano ang pwede naton nga mabulig,” he stated. “If lantaw naton may kakulangan pa nga kinahanglanon pa gyud ta mag augment, maka augment man kita anytime.”
Governor Tamayo highlighted the active response efforts of the national government, which include rescuing residents and animals, facilitating evacuations, and providing essentials such as food, clothing, and bedding.
“Immediate man dayon ang action sang national government,” he said. “Nakit-an ko gid ano ka-busy ang aton nga president kag kung ano siya ka hands on sa pagtutok kung papano naton ma-address ang mga problema.”
In anticipation of such calamities, South Cotabato has long been prepared to respond effectively to emergencies in its local communities.
Governor Tamayo noted that hazard maps identifying vulnerable areas in South Cotabato were established before his tenure as mayor of Tupi. These maps pinpoint high-risk zones that require immediate response in times of disasters, which enables the province to prioritize and address critical needs efficiently. Thus, local communities and LGUs are well-prepared even before a calamity strikes.
Moreover, South Cotabato has been recognized as one of the top-performing Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (PDRRMO) in the country for its proactive disaster preparedness, especially the use of hazard mapping.
“One of the best performing PDRRMO kita sa bilog na Pilipinas kay tungod established ang aton nga hazard maps,” Governor Tamayo emphasized. “So bago mag abot ang calamity, naka prepare na kita kag bal-an kita kung diin ang areas nga dapat may rescue.”
In times of crisis, the province of South Cotabato and the entire Philippines unites in rising together to overcome any challenges the country may face.
