THE Archdiocese of San Fernando is continuously appealing for assistance for the affected communities of Pampanga following the destruction caused by tropical cyclones "Crising," "Dante," and "Emong," as well as the southwest monsoon.
In a radio interview, Archdiocese of San Fernando-Social Action Center (Sacop) director Fr. Justin Gatus said the affected communities continue to be in need of in-cash and in-kind donations.
"Our call for donations is posted on our Sacop Facebook page. Our bank accounts are there. Those who want to donate in-kind, you can drop them at our office here at the Sacop Compound in Pampanga," said Gatus.
"We hope you can continue to help our brothers and sisters affected by the flooding," he added.
Sacop has available bank accounts in Metrobank, BPI, PNB, and BDO, as well as GCash; while its office is located in San Fernando City.
According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), the massive flooding affected 160,891 families or 527,648 individuals in 290 barangays of Pampanga.
But according to Gatus, repeated reliance on assistance and having resilient communities during calamities is not enough to solve the problem as there must also be accountability from negligent officials.
"We are not only resilient people; we hope our elected leaders will also have accountability. Let's follow up on their promises. It's not just about being resilient but also solving the various issues in our society, especially this flood," said the priest.
"This (flooding) is not normal. This is not part of being normal. Something can be done if only given time and opportunity," Gatus added.
Last week, Pampanga was placed under a state of calamity following the widespread damage caused by the three typhoons and enhanced southwest monsoon. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)