Robredo leads OVP relief ops preps for Marawi residents

Vice President Leni Robredo is leading her office’s preparations for relief operations meant to help residents in Marawi City, following clashes there between the military and the Maute terror group.

Robredo began calling for donations on Tuesday night, as she asked the public to pray for the residents of the city and the soldiers fighting there. 

“Nanawagan na kami para sa tulong ng lahat, kasi ‘yung inaalala namin dito, baka maraming maapektuhan sa displacement. Baka kailangan ng relief operations,” the Vice President told reporters on Wednesday morning.

She noted that her office had been advised by local government officials to hold off sending donations in the meantime, but that they wish to get a head-start, anticipating many possible beneficiaries.

“Ang sabi nila sa amin, i-hold muna ‘yung pagpadala ng relief, kasi hindi nila alam papa’no ‘yung pagtanggap kasi hindi pa clear ‘yung pagpapapuntahan. Magsasabi daw sila sa atin ‘pag okay na. Pero ina-anticipate natin na baka kinakailangan ng relief after nitong operation. Sana hindi siya tumagal,” she added.

The OVP posted its call for assistance on Wednesday morning. They accept in-kind donations—including food packs, hygiene kits, medicine, and batteries—as well as cash.

The office asks donors to give Halal-certified canned goods, and not pork or pork byproducts.

Donations may be coursed through the OVP’s partner organization, the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership.

Let's help our fellow Filipinos who have been affected by the crossfire in Marawi City. #StandWithMarawi pic.twitter.com/b7l7LNrfxe

— Vice President Leni (@VPPilipinas) May 24, 2017

[PSA] #StandWithMarawi reminders for donations: Please include Halal-certified canned goods. Do not include pork or pork byproducts. pic.twitter.com/wPTV3fXW2G

— Vice President Leni (@VPPilipinas) May 24, 2017

Marawi City is one of the areas selected by the Office of the Vice President for its “Angat Buhay” anti-poverty program.

Robredo visited the city in March, to meet with women weavers of Barangay Dayawan.

The OVP was able to link the said weavers to private partners, Metrobank Foundation, the Ateneo de Manila University, and the Al Mujadilah Development Foundation, which turned over a total of P100,000 donation to them for the purchase of handlooms and other materials needed for their livelihood. —KG, GMA News