Yolanda survivors seek refuge in Davao City

DAVAO CITY , Philippines   â€“ Aside from Metro Manila and Cebu City, a number of survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda from Leyte and Samar have opted to seek refuge here.

At least 100 families from the typhoon-ravaged provinces rode the buses of the Davao 911 Central Response Center that earlier went to Tacloban City to help in the search, rescue and retrieval operations.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte earlier said the city welcomes survivors from Samar and Leyte who wish to relocate here. 

Meanwhile, the Davao City Council said it is amenable to Duterte’s proposal for the city government to allocate funds for Yolanda survivors taking shelter in the city.

Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte said it is the duty of the city government to help fellow Filipinos in need.

“If bringing them here to Davao would hasten their recovery and help them start life anew, then we are more than willing to welcome them,” he said.

The young Duterte said they are wiling to share with the typhoon survivors the numerous employment and livelihood opportunities in Davao.

Earlier, the mayor said the city is willing to provide financial assistance to the victims if the city council would allow it. He assured the survivors that they would never go hungry again for as long as they are in Davao City.

The city government has donated P8 million in financial assistance to Leyte and Samar. It also sent medical and search and rescue and retrieval teams to Tacloban City last week.