[music] Sonic. [music] Oh. [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] Let's do it. [music] [music] [music] we invite you all to take a seat, to get settled. Good afternoon to everyone. We welcome you to the El Campín neighborhood, in the district of Buenaventura, for the handover of the first house and rental subsidies by the President of the Republic, Dr. Abelardo de la Espria, to those affected by the earthquake on August 10th in the district of Buenaventura. We greet the representatives of the national, regional and local government and all those who are joining us in person at the headquarters of the Casa Bosconia Youth Service Foundation. We also extend our greetings to those who are following this broadcast through the website of the Presidency of the Republic, its social networks and public media. To begin this event, I would like to invite everyone to stand up so that we can sing together the notes of the anthem of the Republic of Colombia. [music] [music] [music] Oh, [singing] glory. immortal [music] [song] south of sorrows [music] of the wind [song] beyond the womb [music] beyond all [music] [song] [music] the surge of sorrows [music] will be sun [music] night [song] the sublime freedom you will pour forth [music] dawns [song] of its unfathomable [music] light the whole humanity [music] all of the crosses the words [music] of the cross. [music] [music] Oh glory [music][song] unceasing, oh joy [music] immortal. Encos [song] of pain, [music] the wind will blow, the good will end. [music] [music] [music] of sorrows. [music] Next, we invite you to observe a minute of silence for the victims of the earthquake that occurred on August 10th. [music] Next, we will have a prayer by Father Rodolfo Londoño, priest, here today at this event from Buenaventura. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The word of the Lord says in the prophet Isaiah, chapter 32, verse 18, “My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in a secure dwelling place, in a quiet place of rest.” Lord God, today this word takes on a very concrete meaning for us . A peaceful habitation is much more than four walls. It is a home where a family can live, grow, meet, and look to the future with hope. A peaceful habitation is built first and foremost with your presence, because we need your blessing. It is also built with good governance that works for families, so that they can live with dignity, security, social justice, and opportunities, especially for those who need it most. It is built with unity and solidarity when the State and private enterprise, communities, and so many generous people join forces and understand that the pain and needs of others also commit us all. This place of peace is built by doing things right, with dignified, safe, solid, earthquake-resistant housing, capable of protecting the lives of those who live in it. Today we want to thank you because in the midst of the pain and difficulties we have experienced, we can To contemplate a concrete sign of hope, the delivery of this first house, the delivery of this aid. Your word teaches us that a house is much more than walls. Joshua proclaims, "As for me and my house, we will serve." That is why today we are not only delivering a building, today we are delivering the possibility for a family to begin again. Bless, Lord, this house. Bless, Lord, this family. Bless the walls so that they may bear witness to many years of life, love, unity, and dreams fulfilled. May your presence never be absent from it, and may this first house also be a sign of hope for all the families who lost their homes, and especially for those who lost their loved ones. Comfort us, strengthen us, and let them know they are not alone. Hope is being rebuilt today. Bless, Lord, Buenaventura, its people, its families. Bless this beautiful port, Colombia's gateway to the Pacific, fundamental for the development of our country. May its importance and wealth increasingly translate into well-being, progress, and opportunity for its people. Thank you for Thank you for all the help received, for every helping hand extended, and for all those in the public and private sectors who have made it possible to begin rebuilding this region. Bless this town, and as your word says, let it be fulfilled. My people will dwell in peaceful homes, in secure dwellings, in quiet and restful places. Amen. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We may be seated. The President of the Republic, Dr. Abelardo de la Espriella, will now address you. [Applause] Good afternoon. A very special greeting to everyone. To the Governor of the Department of Valle del Cauca, Lilian Francisca Toro, and to the Mayor of the Special District of Buenaventura, Ligia del Carmen Córdoba Martínez, thank you for all you do. To the officials of the national government, to the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Mauricio Gómez Jamín, to the Chief of Staff of the Presidential Office, Nicolás Gómez, to the Manager for the Regions, Valery Laforí, and to the Director of Communications for the Presidency of the Republic, María Fernanda Sandoval, the Vice Minister of Housing, Dr. Reinaldo José de Silva, the Director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, David Santiago Tamayo, the Manager of the Milagro Fund, Jaime Uribe, the Departmental Manager of the Milagro Fund, Juan Manuel Muñoz, Father Rodolfo Londoño, Chaplain of the Presidency of the Republic, the friends who are all with us here today, the special guests, the General Manager of Ternit, Jorge Andrés Palacio Lacerna, the General Manager of Ventura Group, Álvaro Rodríguez Acosta and his son, the Commercial Director of Game Super Heroes, Buenaventura, Nicolás Sánchez Espitia, the Executive Director of Ventura Group, Álvaro Rodríguez Ferrero, the Head of Housing at Ternit, Juan Pablo Mojica, the group of friends, all of whom are with us, the designated President of the Bicentennial Group, León Amitay, the regional commanders of the military and police forces, the officials of the departmental and municipal government, and of course, all the media Thanks to the media team accompanying us. Today we arrive in Buenaventura with concrete actions, with solutions. After the October 10th earthquake, I made a promise to all Colombians: we would not abandon any of the affected regions. No Colombian would be left without assistance from the national government. The aid must reach the people, the resources must reach the families, the homes must be built, the machinery must arrive in the affected areas, and the reconstruction must be felt in every home. Today we are here in a city that holds a special place in my heart, Buenaventura, and the resources are beginning to reach the families as they should, as we committed to do. Today in Buenaventura, we begin distributing the temporary economic support to families affected by the earthquake, with an investment exceeding 4.062 billion pesos. There are approximately 3,867 beneficiaries. Today we have gathered the first 20 people here to receive this support, but I want to make something clear: the resources are intended for 3,867 beneficiaries. This support covers the first month of assistance. for the households that lost their homes or whose homes were registered as uninhabitable as a result of the earthquake. And we continue tomorrow. Tomorrow we will begin delivering this support, Governor, in the rest of the department of Roldanillo, where we have allocated more than 772 million pesos for the beneficiary households. Buenaventura and Roldanillo thus join Chocó and Cali, territories where we have already begun these payments that we are starting today in Buenaventura. And I want to thank you. [applause] And I want to explain clearly how this works. Please, silence here. I want to explain clearly how this works. The beneficiary households were registered by the territorial entities, by the governor's offices, the mayor's offices in the Single Registry of Victims, the RUD or RUT, and subsequently verified by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management. The heads of households will be able to claim the funds during 15 calendar days at Supergiros locations. A round of applause for Supergiros, which is helping us and making it easy, directly to You must present your national identity card, which has to be the original, no photocopies or anything like that, the original card. Payments will continue in the other affected territories once the administrative procedures we are carrying out are completed. And my instruction is clear, it's just one: expedite this as much as possible. I don't want resources sitting idle while Colombian families are waiting for a solution. Every peso allocated to the emergency must become real help for our people. But behind all these figures I've been talking about, my dear compatriots, there are people, there are stories, there are families. And today I want to tell you one in particular, the story of Tatiana Quiñones. Tatiana is 32 years old, right, Tati? And she's been building her life here in Buenaventura for about 7 years, along with her 14-year-old son and her husband Jefferson, who works as a supervisor. How is Jefferson? He calls me if he needs anything, I'm your lawyer, you hear? Tatiana, Tatiana works from home. That's why a home isn't just a place where the Family is often also the workplace, as in your case, Tati, right? For years, this dear family who are with us here today lived in a house built mainly of wood, in conditions that didn't fully guarantee the safety of Tatiana and her family. Today, that story begins to change. I want you to remember, when you and your family cross that threshold , Tati, that a new chapter begins here. [applause] Because a house, a house isn't just four walls and a roof. A house is where a child studies, where a mother works, where a wife scolds you . No, not scolds you. Yes. It's where you rest, where you laugh, where you dream, and where you can close the door and still feel safe at night. That's why this handover, dear Tati, dear family, means much more than replacing an infrastructure that wasn't the best, that was deteriorated. Let's not kid ourselves here. We are delivering security, dignity, and an opportunity to build a future. And we owe that to the solidarity of the business community, to the government's decision , and... Of course, with God's blessing. A special round of applause to Eternit for making this wonderful dream a reality. [applause] These homes will be joined by others because we are going to continue rebuilding the valley. My dear governor, you know the love and affection I have for this department. The Argos Foundation has donated 235 homes to the Valle del Cauca region for municipalities like Argelia, El Águila, and El Cairo. And you paid 70%. Of course, but let's get to the point , don't get ahead of yourself. But I'm not used to women paying, but you pay, but you 're a good payer. It has to be said. Oh, I was just about to say it. The governor's office has assumed 70%, and they have been very diligent. A round of applause for the governor. And look, here we are, the departmental governments, the local governments, the business community, and, of course , a government that is determined to lift Colombia up from the earthquake, not to return to what we had, but to improve upon it. that we had. Or isn't your house better today, Tati? Yes. Excellent. And this house, dear Tati, also has something very special, as I promised you. Do you remember what I told you when they told me the furniture was n't there? What did I tell you? That you were going to furnish the house for me. Well, I'm going to hand it over to you perfectly furnished. Thank you. And if you're missing anything, just tell me and I'll send it to you. Ah, okay, fine. Make it a condition that you don't scold the monster so much. No, I have to scold him. Yes, yes, that's [laughs] true. They always have to keep us men on a short leash. I agree with you. My wife, the First Lady, is very involved in this process. So that this house, Tati, of yours, is n't just a house, but a home. She got involved with the furniture and everything. She's very attentive, she sends you lots of greetings, she's in Barranquilla working on a project with Nutre because we can't abandon those other areas too. So, we're dividing our time The work. And we have another great piece of news for Colombia, and I want to share it from Buenaventura. Reconstruction doesn't just need resources and housing, dear Governor, dear General, it needs machinery. We have damaged roads, we still have rubble to remove , we have land to work on, we have infrastructure to recover, and we have projects to begin. To do all this, we need operational capacity in the territories. That's why today I want to thank John Deere for an extraordinary donation. Jorge Domínguez, where's Jorge? Jorge, Jorge, brother, thank you from John Deere, let's give them a round of applause. They're donating 60 billion pesos in a machinery and equipment bank. Thank you, Jorge and John Deere, for this. Listen, you know that's a brand that's in the heart of Colombia, because I'm from Córdoba, and that's historically been an agricultural department, you always saw combines there. John Deere, thank you, Jorge. We're talking about motor graders, front-end loaders, backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, and pickup trucks—equipment to accelerate reconstruction, to recover roads, to Removing debris is exactly what we need to intervene in these territories, to bring solutions to our people. This is precisely what we need, dear Jorge: machinery working, not machinery parked there listening to stories. We need machinery opening roads, machinery rebuilding infrastructure, and machinery reaching the municipalities that need answers and that need our help and commitment. Thank you, Jorge. This applause is for you for your big heart and your generosity. And while we're here, dear compatriots, facing the Colombian Pacific, among other things, the last time I came I took some food for the plane. As we say in the Caribbean, the food here is amazing. It's so delicious. They say it's an aphrodisiac. What do you say, General? No, since we're here in Buenaventura, facing this beautiful Colombian Pacific, I want to share another piece of great news that demonstrates the scale of the mobilization that, thanks to God, and to the solidarity of private enterprise and the determination of the departmental, local, and national governments, is coming towards Colombia's logistics support ship, the ARC La Guajira, is transporting humanitarian aid from the United States, coordinated with all our friends there, including the First Lady, for the families affected by the earthquake. This vessel has arrived, has been monitored, is currently docked, and has been monitored by the director of the UNGRD (National Unit for Disaster Risk Management) and the Colombian Navy. A round of applause for our great Navy! It also went to the United States, picked up the aid, and returned. And I want you to understand the magnitude of this operation. The ARC La Guajira has the capacity to transport up to 590 tons of humanitarian assistance, water, machinery, and personnel, and has an autonomy of up to 45 days. On this mission, humanitarian aid worth $1.7 million was transported to Colombia. What do you think? And what's on board? you might ask. Essential kits, mattresses, tents, sleeping bags, blankets, baby items, clothing, shoes, crutches, walkers. All these items have a single destination: the families. who need it. The aid will be delivered to the affected communities in coordination with GEMLA TAN Colombia and the corresponding entities. But I want to highlight something additional and very important. This ship is not only transporting a donation, it is strengthening the logistical capacity of the Colombian State. This mess has tested us, and we are doing something that has never been done before on this scale. A tragedy of the dimensions we have experienced here obliges us to have the capacity to quickly mobilize tons of humanitarian aid. That is why I want to once again acknowledge the work of our Navy and the UNGRD because they all made it possible, and that truly is a blessing from God. A round of applause for you all. [applause] Colombia must thank those who lend us a hand in these times, and we have an obligation to ensure that every box, every mattress, every tent, and every item that comes on that ship truly reaches those who need it. Without intermediaries, without political maneuvering, without corruption. Aid to the victims is sacred, and we will defend it accordingly. My dear compatriots, I want you to look at what we are doing. Getting things underway . It's impressive what we've achieved with so much solidarity and commitment. Today, from Buenaventura, we're starting to distribute over 40,062 million pesos in temporary financial aid to 3,867 beneficiaries. Tomorrow we continue in Roldanillo with over 772 million pesos. Today, Tati and her family are receiving a new home. When's the housewarming party? You ca n't say there won't be a celebration! This house will be joined by 30 additional homes announced by Eternit. A round of applause for Eternit for their great generosity. Another 235 homes from the Grupo Argos Foundation will also be arriving in the Valle del Cauca region, and we're adding a donation of machinery and equipment worth approximately 60,000 million pesos from Jorge Domínguez. Thank you, Jorge, another round of applause for you! And the ARC La Guajira is already here with nearly 1.8 million dollars in humanitarian aid. This is going from... Emergency reconstruction, resources, housing, machinery, humanitarian aid, logistical capacity, and above all, a presence on the ground. You're going to get tired of seeing the Tiger here in Buenaventura because I love coming. You're going to get tired of this gentleman here again, well, you're going to get tired. How many times? Which president has come to Buenaventura the most? Which president has come to Buenaventura the most? Besides the Tiger, because I want to know how many I have. Let's see. I've been president for a month and a half, and I've come to Buenaventura more than all the presidents who preceded me in their four years in office combined. Ah, what do you think? I want to tell the businesspeople of Colombia, the foundations, the social organizations, the international cooperation agencies that have helped us so much from other countries, and all those who have the capacity to help, join in. It doesn't matter if you can contribute a house, a machine, materials, resources, knowledge, labor, or a hug. We need everyone's participation because we will rebuild this miraculous homeland together, all Colombians united under one banner. The same flag that is Colombia. [applause] And look, Buenaventura can't wait any longer . It has waited a long time in many ways. When I got off here, or when I boarded the plane in Kipdo, I was notified of an operation we had underway here, and we caught one of those bandits, one of the leaders of the kids. I just instructed the director of INPEC to move the 120 bandits who have the region terrorized. I'm going to transfer them to another prison. Do you know how long Buenaventura has been waiting for that? Some guys who are still in charge of the prisons. That nonsense with the tiger is over. Nicely shaved, in orange uniforms, all tied up tight, and I'm going to take them to prisons where not even the sign of the Holy Cross can enter so they can't keep attacking the people. It's over. This city has given so much to Colombia for decades. A large part of our country's wealth enters through here. How long are we going to have Buenaventura? Yes, do n't worry, Auntie, we're going to reopen the Door. Thank you. Today, I also want all the solidarity of Colombia and the world to enter through this wonderful port. This must also be a gateway of opportunity for the people. That's why our presence here does n't end with subsidies and houses, it doesn't end with the machines that have been generously donated, and it doesn't end with the arrival of a ship loaded with aid. Reconstruction must also become an opportunity to recover infrastructure, to generate more employment, and to improve the quality of life for the communities, because the Tiger is committed to Buenaventura and its people. And I want to reiterate an instruction I 've given to my entire administration: Less desk work and more fieldwork, less PowerPoint and more people-power. I want officials walking the streets, talking to people, inspecting the projects, solving problems, because behind every pending procedure there is a family, a person waiting. Behind every subsidy there is a family, behind every machine there is a project we can expedite. Behind every box of aid There is a person who needs it, and behind every home we build there are Colombians like Tati and her family trying to rebuild their lives. We will rebuild house by house, road by road, neighborhood by neighborhood, municipality by municipality, department by department, until we rebuild the territories of the national geography that were hit by the tragedy. We're going to do it. Do you know why? Because God entrusts his toughest battles to his best soldiers. Tatiana, this house that we are handing over to you today represents your effort, Jefferson's effort, and that of the entire family. Enjoy it, take care of it, fill it with dreams, laughter, joy, and music, and may your child look back on this day and remember that even after the most difficult moments, it is always possible to start again and get back up. The earthquake destroyed walls, but it could not destroy our strength, our passion, and our hope. Where a house fell, we will build a home. Where a road was closed , we will open it with machinery. Where a family has been left unprotected, we will bring resources. And wherever help is needed, we will mobilize it by land, air, river and sea without any problem. We are going to reach the most remote territories of the national geography. Here, ads become resources. Resources become solutions, machines become works, aid becomes hope, and solidarity becomes the miracle homeland. May God bless this home, may God bless the Cauca Valley, may God bless this fantastic land. Today more than ever I stand firm for Buenaventura, firm for the Cauca Valley, and firm for the homeland. Long live Christ the King. [music] Let's give a big round of applause to President Dr. Abelardo de la Estriella, speaking today from the special district of Buenaventura, with these important announcements. The business sector has been a strategic partner of the government of President Dr. Abelardo de la Espriella, in the context of this earthquake that occurred on August 10. Thus, through the company Gane Supergiros, more than 3,800 affected families will benefit. With us are some of these beneficiaries who will receive their rental subsidy today. Next, we would like to invite the following people to come to the Ganes Supergiros point to receive their subsidies in the company of the President of the Republic, Mr. Juvenal Riascos Riascos. That's a big round of applause, Mr. Leonardo Rentería. Mrs. Lionila Torres Perlaza, Mrs. Gloria Santana. Mrs. Maria Corazón Vinazcos. For the sake of the homeland, I stand with you. Thank you. Let's go over there to the right. Come on, come on, teacher. Here is your cash. Thank you. Okay, tell it, tell it. You never know. For Leonardo Rentería Gamboa, first. Here you are, sir, excuse me. Don Leonardo Rentería Gamboa, 150,543. Thank you, Mr. Leonardo. We are with you. Come on. Fir. But keep going, you are not alone. Thank you. Mrs. Leonila Torres Perlaza. Doña Leonila, how are you? Here I give you 150,543 pesos. Look, we do this directly for the beneficiaries. You don't need intermediaries with us. Thank you. Be careful with those 500 pesos. Thank you, Mrs. Gloria Marina Santana. Doña Gloria, how are you? No, ma'am, with pleasure. Here is your help. Thank you so much. Continue to bless the Here we have Mary Heart. Is your name Maria Corazón? What a lovely name. María Corazón Vinasco de Murillo. Doña María Corazón, how are you? Thank you. Here I deliver 1,50,543. No, ma'am, with the greatest pleasure. Mrs. Betti Ruiz Hurtado. Doña Betti, I am giving you 50,543 pesos. Yes, ma'am. Up to two if you want. Amen. Thank you. Thank you, thank you, Mrs. Betti. Who's coming? No, no, no. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Quimelia. Doña Quimelia. Doña Quimelia. I am delivering 15043 to Mrs. Quimelia. No, ma'am, with the greatest pleasure. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Quimelia. Thank you. We invite the President of the Republic, as well as Mrs. Tatiana Quiñones and her family, to come to the neighborhood today for the official handover of the house. I'm delivering this last one and here our friends from Supergiro are still delivering because I have to go to Tati's to deliver her house. Doña Elidaflor Angulo Garcés gave her aid of 50,543. Thank you. Amen. Thank you. A big round of applause for the President of the Republic, Dr. Abelardo de la Espriella, who is currently on his way to hand over the house to Mrs. Tatiana Quiñones. This concludes the formal ceremony and the official handover of the first house and rental subsidies to those affected by the earthquake in Buenaventura. Thanks a lot. Thank you. [music]