Siargao residents continue to appeal for help

The arrival of aid to the victims of Typhoon Odette on Siargao island was delayed after a barge carrying relief goods ran aground.

According to Surigao Del Norte Governor Francisco Matugas Jr., for now, the cash for work program will provide alternative employment from the national government while waiting to recover because there are really no jobs in the area today.

It is literally written on the land and roads that the people of Siargao island are now asking for help for the food and water they need.

Residents have no source of livelihood since trees such as coconuts collapsed and died.

Every three months, the copra farmers make a profit, but it will take several years for the coconut trees to recover.

“Ang pag-asa namin matulungan kami ng gobyerno, sana maraming tao ang makatulong,” said Cherry Ravelo, coconut farm owner.

“Nagawa na lang ng paraan para mabuhay,” said Jonsie Guindolman, another coconut farm owner.

It is also impossible to fish because the boats were damaged, and the tourists also disappeared with the destruction of the resorts.

Siargao residents continue to appeal for help

According to Matugas, all the people of Siargao have already received aid, and even the remote barangays have been given help.

The distribution of the second batch of aid was delayed after a barge loaded with trucks of relief goods in barangay cabasak ran aground.

“Until today andyan pa rin, with the help of Coast Guard we will try to bring another LCT para mailapit mga cargo, baka maka-float s’ya … bigas, canned goods andyan lahat, this will be our second round of distribution kasi all over municipalities in Siargao naka-distriibute na tayo lahat,” said Matugas.

While there is still no permanent source of livelihood, a cash for work program will be provided first and P5,000 each from the National Housing Authority for each family who has lost their home.

According to Matugas, it will be a long time before the island recovers, and the extent of the damage from the houses destroyed, sports complexes, evacuation centers, and municipalities destroyed by Typhoon Odette cannot be measured.