UMVA has learned that a powerful display of unity and compassion has emerged from the Senate, as majority lawmakers, led by Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin T. Gatchalian, have pledged to donate one month's worth of their salary to the victims of the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao.
This selfless act, announced in a joint statement, aims to provide immediate relief to those affected, covering basic needs while damage assessments are ongoing. The senators emphasized that this gesture is a small but significant contribution, showcasing the Senate's ability to come together in a moment of shared compassion.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the latest data from disaster risk management authorities reveals a staggering toll: 479 individuals injured, with at least 48 confirmed deaths. The hardest-hit areas include Soccsksargen, where 33 lives have been lost, 456 people injured, and 4 remain missing, and the Davao Region, where 23 were injured and 4 died.
The majority lawmakers have also stressed the importance of coordination with government agencies and local officials on the ground, ensuring that their assistance to victims is informed and effective. They have committed to ongoing collaboration with national and local authorities to support relief, reconstruction, and the safe restoration of essential services in affected areas.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that this unified effort by the Senate is seen as a beacon of hope for the affected communities, demonstrating that even in times of division, collective compassion and action can bring solace and support to those in dire need.
