AMID the calamity that hit this town the past weeks, the culture of unity and cooperation among government agencies and private sector became evident through the consecutive relief distribution they sponsored for flood victims.
Since last week, thousands of Masantoleños have been benefiting from the assistance provided by various government agencies, organizations and corporations to provide relief to individuals and families who were affected and displaced by the flooding.
According to Mayor Danilo Guintu, more than 5,300 families from the coastal villages of Alauli, Bagang, Bagang, Sagrada and Sapang Kawayan received assistance from the provincial government led by Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda while the Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided 2,500 relief packs just after the onslaught of heavy rains.
The ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation also helped the flood victims and distributed 900 food packs to residents of Barangay Sta. Lucia Matua, Sta. Lucia Wakas and Sta. Lucia Paguiaba while the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation gave away 1,000 relief packs to senior citizens.
The Manila Water Foundation also extended a helping hand to flood victims by providing 5,000 gallons of distilled water in an aim to ensure the safe and clean water intake of flood victims. Some 1,000 food packs and water tanks were likewise distributed by the Clark Development Corporation.
The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. also coordinated with the local government and is set to distribute some 2,800 food packs to Masantoleños today, Tuesday, said Guintu.
“It is of big help to see the concern and care showcased by our partner government agencies, organizations and foundations to us Masantoleños. Their concern to us gave us another reason to smile despite being submerged in floodwaters for almost a month now,” Guintu said.
While flooding is a perennial problem faced by Masantoleños, Guintu said that they somehow see a ray of hope for humanity during such times as they also see it as time for cooperation and unity among Masantoleños, Kapampangans and Filipinos who continue to extend a helping hand to each other.
“We would like to thank everybody who initiated and answered our call for relief. We wanted to say that they did not only help the hungry flood victims, but also provided hope amid the calamity that we are facing,” Guintu said.