VP Sara calls on Eastern Samar residents to fight insurgency, prepare for calamities

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday called on residents of Eastern Samar to fight against local terrorism and build disaster-resilient communities.

Speaking during the province’s 57th founding year celebration, Duterte said Eastern Samar is a place that “continues to stand strong over the years despite its constant affair with deadly storms and its problem with insurgency.”

“Owing to its geographical location, Eastern Samar faces two challenges. It is vulnerable to natural calamities and a breeding ground for insurgency,” she said.

In 2013, Eastern Samar became one of the most-hit provinces by Super Typhoon Yolanda. Security forces also had several encounters with suspected rebel groups in the province.

Duterte who sits as the concurrent Education secretary, thus urged parents to not let their children join terrorist groups so as to not ruin their future.

“Ayaw ninyo tugti ang inyong mga anak nga musampa sa NPA. Ayaw ninyo tugti nga madaot ang ilang kaugmaon,” she said.

(Don't let your child end up joining the New People's Army. Don't let them ruin their future.)

“May I call on everyone to protect the security and peace of your province against local terrorist groups.”

As to building resilient communities, Duterte said that there should be cooperation between the government, the citizens, and stakeholders.

“Community awareness, disaster risk reduction education in schools, disaster preparedness, and efficient local warning systems will help us become resilient to natural disasters. In other words, collective action,” she said. —Giselle Ombay/KBK, GMA Integrated News