Camille Villar brings aid, honors earthquake hero in GenSan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — Sen. Camille Villar, the youngest senator of the 20th Congress, brought relief assistance to earthquake-stricken communities in General Santos City on Saturday, expressing solidarity with families affected by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that recently struck Mindanao.

“In a time of disaster, more than ever, we need to feel that there are people who stand united and prepared to help. This is not just about relief goods. This is to show care and unity with every family affected by the earthquake,” Villar said in Filipino.

Joined by Sen. Robinhood Padilla, General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, and Barangay Lagao Chairman Jaime Tatad, Villar visited two evacuation centers in Barangay Lagao — Carcon Vill and Balite — where hundreds of displaced residents are temporarily sheltered.

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Villar led the distribution of relief packs containing rice, groceries, and gallons of mineral water, assuring residents that they would not be alone in rebuilding their lives after the tragedy.

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She emphasized that disaster response should not end with immediate relief efforts but must continue through rehabilitation and long-term recovery programs for affected communities.

Earlier this week, before her visit, Villar, together with Sen. Mark Villar, had already sent truckloads of rice and mineral water to General Santos City, among the first relief assistance extended by senators after the earthquake. The aid was turned over to the local government.

Courageous rescue

Villar and Padilla also paid their respects to the family of Joey Puntual Deluvio, a 39-year-old employee who lost his life while courageously attempting to rescue a fellow worker trapped inside a collapsed establishment during the earthquake.

According to reports, Deluvio responded to a co-worker’s cries for help. He later became trapped when the structure gave way.

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Villar described Deluvio’s sacrifice as a powerful reminder of the courage and compassion that emerge even in the darkest moments of tragedy.

“Despite his fear and danger, he chose to save someone. We condole with his family, and we are praying for his soul,” Villar said.

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The senator reiterated her commitment to continue coordinating with local officials and national agencies to ensure that assistance would reach affected communities and that recovery efforts would be sustained in the coming weeks.

“As we mourn the lives lost and pray for the safety of those affected, we also stand firm in helping our fellow Filipinos recover. In times of calamity, what’s most important is unity, care, and quick action, so that nobody is left behind in recovery,” Villar said. /atm

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HELP MINDANAO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

The Inquirer Foundation is calling for support for communities devastated by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.

In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the foundation is amplifying appeals for food, clean water and other critical assistance for affected families.

Donors may send contributions directly to the Philippine Red Cross through its official transfer channels, the complete list is available on the PRC’s Facebook page.

The Philippine Red Cross has activated its emergency fund campaign and deployed teams on the ground to provide medical services, distribute relief goods and extend psychosocial support to affected families.