Senator Cayetano adopts Leyte towns

CEBU, Philippines -  Typhoon Yolanda wrecked havoc to a vast area of Eastern Visayas, including the towns of northwestern Leyte, but the concentration of rescue efforts, relief operations, and planned rehabilitation have been concentrated in Tacloban and Ormoc cities and other areas.

This prompted Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano to declare that the Cayetano family is adopting the towns located in the 3rd and 4th districts of Leyte: Isabel, Albuera, Merida, Palompon, Matag-ob, Villaba, Tabango and Calubian.

"There is an immediate need to assist the people in these municipalities. By doing this (adoption), the assistance coming from the government, NGOs and private sector will be felt in all areas affected by the typhoon," he said.

Cayetano said he will look for ways to sustainably help through livelihood programs and creation of alternative income for these areas which majority of residents are dependent on farming and fishing.

"Visayas region has been good to the Cayetanos even during the time of my father. This is one way of showing that we care for them also," the senator told The Freeman.  (FREEMAN)