De Lima calls for unity among Bicolanos after onslaught of supertyphoon 'Tisoy'

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has called for unity and resilience among her fellow Bicolanos who were severely affected by Supertyphoon 'Tisoy' (international name: Kammuri) that hit Bicol region last Dec. 2 and 3.

De Lima, who was born and grew up in Iriga, Camarines Sur, Bicol, told her kababayans to keep their faith in God during these trying times and help each other to rise up from the shambles of the recent supertyphoon, move forward and rebuild their lives.

"Sa bawat bagyong dumaraan ay may kuwento ng pagbangon upang higit na maging malakas sa pagharap sa mga panibagong hamon," she said in her recent Dispatch from Crame No. 659, written in the Bicol dialect.

"Sa mga kapwa ko Bicolano, ang lakas natin ay nakasalalay sa ating pagkakaisa at pananalig sa Poong Maykapal," she added.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) noted that at least 17 people were recorded dead as of Dec. 5 after Supertyphoon 'Tisoy' hit regions south of Luzon, including the Bicol Region that recorded five casualties.

Supertyphoon 'Tisoy', which made landfall in Gubat, Sorsogon last Dec. 2, reportedly left many parts of Bicol region devastated, mainly Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes.

Figures from NDRRMC showed that Sorsogon reported PhP667,331,940 in agricultural damage, including that of fisheries and livestock, while some 6,710 houses were also damaged in Sorsogon and Camarines Sur.

De Lima, a social justice and human rights champion, also urged her fellow Bicolanos to seek strength and guidance from the blessed Virgin Mary or the Inang Virgen de Peñafrancia.

"Manalangin po tayo sa ating mahal na Virgen de Peñafrancia na nawa'y manatili niya tayong gabayan sa mga panahong ito," she said.

"Hagupitin man tayo ng paulit-ulit, babangon tayong patuloy na lumalaban," added the lady Senator.