The provincial government here kicked off its 26th founding anniversary on Thursday, highlighting unity and cooperation amid the magnanimity effect of disaster in the province.

In an interview, Lara Zaphire Kristy Bermejo, the deputy action officer of the anniversary events, said they want to stress “unity” in the two-day celebration since there are still residents of the province in the evacuation centers.

Data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office showed that some 1,085 families affected by the Masara village landslide remain in the province’s evacuation centers.

“We need to be united to be strong and resilient. The effect of the disaster is hard on the families who lost a loved one, shelter, and livelihood,” Bermejo said, adding that daily food also remains a problem for those affected.

Bermejo said the province used to celebrate for a whole week in the past but decided to make it a two-day event this year with “Konsyertulong,” a charity concert aimed at raising funds for the families affected by the disaster in the province.

She said the proceeds will provide necessary aid at the evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, Davao de Oro 2nd District Rep. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga said Governor Dorothy Gonzaga had been authorized to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on behalf of the province with the Office of the President (OP) to utilize the PHP10 milion and PHP30 million assistance it had earlier extended.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized Gonzaga to sign the MOA during a special session on March 7.

On February 7, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. provided financial assistance to the residents in the Davao region affected by the shear line and trough of the low-pressure area (LPA). (PNA)