DAVAO CITY, Philippines – It’s not the time to celebrate.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced Sunday, December 24, that events related to celebrating Christmas and New Year will be postponed to a later date, after a series of unfortunate disasters affected many residents here.
Duterte-Carpio in a statement said: “This is not the time na mag-lipaylipay ug mag party ta (This is not the time of merrymaking and parties for us).”
“What we should do is — Number 1, stay with our families to celebrate Christmas with them. And Number 2, we say our prayers and thank God for the blessings that we have received for the past year,” the local chief executive said on Christmas Eve.
She urged those who want to give their service to help in relief distribution efforts for those affected by flood.
The operation will last after Christmas, she added.
“Let us empathize with those you are affected by the floods – who lost their houses and belongings and those affected by the fire- who lost their loved ones, and those who lost their jobs,” she said.
The mayor’s statement came a day after a massive fire gutted the New City Commercial Center (NCCC) Mall of Davao and only two days after Tropical Storm Vinta affected 18,308 families in the cities 25 barangays.
Duterte-Carpio also asked councilors to authorize her in declaring the city under state of calamity. The mayor and the officials will meet on December 25 to decide on the matter.
“I have sought for authority to use all the remaining disaster funds,” said Duterte-Carpio. (davaotoday.com)
nccc mall fire, Sara Duterte-Carpio, Tropical Storm Vinta
