Senator Camille Villar personally visited earthquake-stricken communities in General Santos City, bringing relief assistance and expressing solidarity with families affected by the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that recently struck Mindanao.
“Sa panahon ng sakuna, higit kailanman kailangan nating maramdaman na may nagkakaisa at handang tumulong. Hindi lamang ito tungkol sa relief goods. Ito ay pagpapakita ng malasakit at pakikiisa sa bawat pamilyang naapektuhan ng lindol,” the legislator said.
“Sa panahon ng sakuna, higit kailanman kailangan nating maramdaman na may nagkakaisa at handang tumulong.”
Joined by Senator Robin Padilla, General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, and Barangay Lagao Chairman Jaime Tatad, Villar visited two evacuation centers in Barangay Lagao—Carcon Vill and Balite—where hundreds of displaced residents continue to seek temporary shelter following the disaster.
The lawmaker led the distribution of relief packs containing rice, groceries, and gallons of mineral water to affected families, assuring residents that they are not alone in rebuilding their lives after the tragedy.
The lady senator emphasized that disaster response should not end with immediate relief efforts but must continue through rehabilitation and long-term recovery programs for affected communities.
Prior to her visit, Villar, together with Senator Mark Villar, had already sent truckloads of rice and mineral water to General Santos City, among the first relief assistance extended by members of the Senate following the earthquake. The aid was turned over to the local government unit to support ongoing relief operations.
Aside from visiting evacuation centers, Villar and Padilla also paid their respects to the family of Joey Puntual Deluvio, a 39-year-old employee who lost his life while courageously attempting to rescue a fellow worker trapped inside a collapsed establishment during the earthquake.
According to reports, Deluvio responded to a co-worker’s cries for help and rushed to assist despite the danger. He later became trapped when the structure gave way.
Villar described Deluvio’s sacrifice as a powerful reminder of the courage and compassion that emerge even in the darkest moments of tragedy.
“Sa gitna ng takot at panganib, pinili niyang iligtas ang kapwa.”
“Sa gitna ng takot at panganib, pinili niyang iligtas ang kapwa. Nakikiramay kami sa kanyang pamilya at ipinapanalangin namin ang kanyang kaluluwa,” she said.
Villar reiterated her commitment to continue coordinating with local officials and national agencies to ensure that assistance reaches affected communities and that recovery efforts remain sustained in the coming weeks.
“As we mourn the lives lost and pray for the safety of those affected, we also stand firm in helping our fellow Filipinos recover. Sa panahon ng kalamidad, ang pinakamahalaga ay ang pagkakaisa, malasakit, at mabilis na pagkilos upang walang maiwan sa ating pagbangon,” she concluded.
