DAVAO CITY – The office of the First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte assisted on Wednesday, February 21, 17 families at Del Carmen Village in Barangay Matina Aplaya, which was affected by a fire last week.

The lawmaker, with his son Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, through the PPP program, oversaw the distribution of relief and cash assistance to eight house owners, six renters, two sharers, and a caretaker at the village.

“Dako mi pasalamat sa inyo, sir, nga sa panahon sa among kalisdanon naa mo Duterte family, wala mi ninyo gipasagdan (We are very thankful, sir, that during our difficult times, the Duterte family truly did not abandon us),” Girlie Mae Tirso said.

Matina Aplaya barangay head Nestor B. Cirunay also thanked Congressman Pulong, as he is fondly called by his constituents here, Rigo, and all the Duterte family for the timely support given to the fire victims. He said that the citizens felt their presence.

The mantra of the PPP members is to prioritize action over intention in the name of public service. Rep. Duterte and his team ensure to provide assistance to Davaoeños during calamities like fire and maintain support for displaced families and marginalized groups.

According to the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), more or less than 40 individuals were affected by the incident. Some victims took shelter at Matina Aplaya gymnasium while others stayed with their respective relatives.