ILIGAN CITY (PIA) – Some 131 families displaced by the Marawi siege and currently staying at Bakwit Village in Matungao town, Lanao del Norte received relief goods from the Philippine Army.
On Saturday, April 25, the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion distributed the relief goods, house to house, to lessen the burden caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
LtCol. Domingo Dulay Jr, the Battalion commander, said the relief goods came from the contributions of the unit, along with donations of friends and partners of the Battalion.
Each family got three kilos of organic rice, two cans of sardines, two packs of pancit canton noodles, and four twin packs of coffee.
The recipients were grateful to the Battalion for the assistance they extended to the village.
“Kahit papaano ay makakatulong ito sa amin kasi mahirap dito sa Bakwit Village dahil hindi kami makalabas at magkapaghanap-buhay,” said Samanoden Guinal.
[Somehow, the relief packages will help because its difficult here in Bakwit Village as we cannot go out and make a living.]
“Labis kaming nagpapasalamat sa kabutihan ng 4th Mech sa paghahatid sa amin ng relief goods at tubig. Alam nila na ‘times 3’ yung pangangailangan namin ng tubig ngayong buwan ng Ramadan,” said Gambao Abdul Malik.
[We are very grateful to 4th Mech for providing us with relief goods and water. They know that our need for water is threefold this month of Ramadan.]
Potable water supply has been a concern in the village. The Task Force Bangon Marawi Field Office has already asked the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to assist the Bakwit Village in getting access to a potable water supply. The shelter was built through PAGCOR and the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators Group.
In the meantime, the 4th Mech is delivering 2,000 liters of water to the village weekly.
“Matindi talaga ang pangangailangan nila ng tubig lalong-lalo na ngayong Ramadan at hindi tayo magsasawang tumulong sa kanila lalo na ngayong may pandemic,” LtCol. Dulay said.
[They are in dire need of water especially during Ramadan and we will always help them especially during this pandemic.]
Aside from securing Lanao del Norte, the 4th Mech has continuously provided support to the IDPs and other vulnerable sectors. Recently, they provided relief goods and food packs to orphans under the care of Darul Fitya Toril in the municipality of Pantar, Lanao del Norte. (APB/PIA ICIC)
