RAINS never ceased from pouring over the weekend until Monday when heavy and incessant downpours flooded many parts of Pampanga. As of this writing, there are almost 40 barangays now in the province that are under floodwaters due to southwest monsoon.

Most of the inundated barangays are situated either in coastal or low-lying areas of the province, the reason why they are prone to flooding during rains. Most people living in these barangays are not new to inundation except that some of their sources of living are affected including their mobility and access to places when flooded.

Aside from people, one of the affected are rice fields. To date, damage to crops amount to almost P4 million due to too much water that affects agriculture. Many rice farms during this month have maturing palay that cannot afford being flooded for too long.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Government is on alert for scenarios during heavy rains. The Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is on alert and quick in case of needed response to flooding and disaster mitigation. They know their jobs and know what they are doing during the rainy season.

The PDRRMO is one of the busy office during these months when typhoons and incessant rains frequent the province. In terms of operation readiness and equipment capability, they deserve high grades because of their dedication and commitment to save lives and mitigate the effects of disasters.

Awards are not enough to prove the capability and proficiency of Pampanga's PDRRMO when disaster strikes. Under the tutelage of Ms. Angie Blanco, the said office is capable enough to do their mandate. With the leadership and support of Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda, the said office is even extending helping hands to other provinces when struck by disasters.

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Last Sunday, liturgical services and canonical coronation of Pampanga's Patroness Virgen Delos Remedios was held at the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando and at the Provincial Capitol grounds coinciding with the feats of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary as observed by Catholics and Marian devotees.

The rains didn't dampen the spirit of the religious occasion which drew hundreds of Kapampangans to the said places which manifested the strength of the faith of the people of Pampanga. Year after year, the said celebration is a crowd drawer, rain or shine.

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