SULTAN BONG REVILLA REACHES OUT TO MINDANAO
TYPHOON VICTIMS

In response to the much-needed help of the displaced families, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. personally conducted two-day relief operation in typhoon-devastated areas in Mindanao, which coincided with his investiture as Sultan.

Along with his wife and fellow lawmaker Congresswoman Lani-Mercado Revilla, the senator went to the evacuation centers in Cotabato City, Maguindanao at Sultan Kudarat where an estimated 80,000 families were heavily affected by the typhoon. They distributed rice and groceries, as well as medicines to arrest the spread of water-borne diseases. The relief operation is part of the senator's Kaagapay sa Araw ng Pangangailangan or KAP relief assistance program which has already served many calamity-stricken families all over the country.

According to Bong Revilla, while his relief aid may only slightly ease the needs and pain of the calamity victims, it is still a way of augmenting the relief efforts being initiated by the government, non-government organizations, private agencies and other individuals. "Ang tulong ko, I know it is not enough. But then Mindanao has always been good to me. Through the years, hindi nila tayo pinabayaan. Kaya hindi ko rin sila puwedeng pabayaan," added Bong Revilla, who personally funded the relief activity.

Aside from the distribution of relief goods, the senator also coordinated with the district officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). "Gusto nating malaman kung anu-ano pang mga public infrastructure dito ang nawasak ng bagyo. Sa kapasidad natin bilang chairman ng Senate Committee on Public Works, titingnan natin kung ano ang magagawa natin tungkol dito."

Bong Revilla's southern visit became more meaningful when he was conferred as an adopted son of Sultan Kudarat. The ceremony for the investiture was held today at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Mansion. In his acceptance speech, the lawmaker, who was installed as Sultan Aadil or Sultan of Justice, vowed to continue to promote the further development of Mindanao and protect the welfare of its people. "Rest assured, I will not disgrace this title. I will fight for your rights, particularly for the rights of our Muslim brothers and sisters."