- MITCH M. LIPA
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, who traces his roots to Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental, said he felt bad seeing in the news the havoc wrought by typhoon Odette in his hometown and the province.
Zubiri led the distribution of relief goods and emergency kits to his affected kababayans at the command center in Kabankalan.
He brought with him 200 sacks of rice that he bought using his own money to augment the food requirement at the evacuation center. The donations were received by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer.
The senator said he believes in the resilience of the Ilonggos, who can readily overcome any challenge.
“I am here to see the situation of my kababayans. I am here to follow up on their needs agud indi sila madulaan sang paglaum. Let us continue with that faith,” Zubiri, who also visited the province last month to turnover 400 modular tents, stressed.
He called on others to donate and help southern Negros. “We will set aside politics in this time of crisis,” he added.
The Ilonggo senator said he will sponsor the bill if the national government needs a supplemental budget for the rehabilitation of areas hit by the typhoon. He added that he will lobby for more support for the people of Negros and Panay.
Zubiri said he considers Negros Occidental and Kabankalan City as his bailiwick, and that Negrenses supported his Senate bid in the 2016 elections.
He said he is waiting for the final damage report on agriculture and infrastructure so that he can estimate how much will be needed as rehab budget. –MML
