TRUCKLOADS of relief food packs from South Cotabato are sent to the Manay, Davao Oriental LGU as part of the aid response to the devastating earthquake that struck the Mindanao region on Friday. Photograph courtesy of South Cotabato PDRRMO
NATION

South Cotabato comes to Manay’s rescue

Gilbert Gorgonio Jr.

MANAY, Davao Oriental — Relief assistance from the Provincial Government of South Cotabato has officially reached Manay, one of the hardest-hit areas by the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck Mindanao early Friday morning.

A convoy led by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) arrived early Saturday, bringing food packs, bottled water, and other essential supplies. These were formally handed over to the Municipal Government of Manay for immediate distribution to displaced and affected families.

Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. praised the quick deployment of the PDRRMO team, which left South Cotabato at around 3 a.m. Saturday — less than 24 hours after the quake. He highlighted that this rapid response reflects the province’s “Tama at Maayos na Serbisyo” governance principle, focused on compassion, readiness, and proactive service.

“We are always ready to help whenever and wherever our assistance is needed. The spirit of bayanihan among South Cotabateños remains strong — we stand with our brothers and sisters in Davao Oriental,” Governor Tamayo said in a video message.

The mission highlights South Cotabato’s commitment to solidarity and compassion across Mindanao. The PDRRMO is working closely with local disaster units in Davao Oriental to ensure aid is safely and efficiently distributed to affected communities.

Through this prompt initiative, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato reaffirms its dedication to fostering unity, resilience, and mutual support among Mindanao’s provinces during times of crisis.