Bacolor, Pampanga — Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda on Saturday extended her heartfelt gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian for the immediate response of the national government to the province’s urgent humanitarian needs.
The assistance came as over 4,600 individuals displaced by widespread flooding across Pampanga were given essential relief aid, following successive tropical cyclones and the intensified southwest monsoon (Habagat).
“Hanggang ngayon, marami pa rin tayong barangay na lubog sa baha. Kailangan talaga natin ng matagalang supply ng food packs para sa mga pamilyang apektado. Kaya lubos po akong nagpapasalamat kay President Marcos at kay Secretary Rex ng DSWD — dahil kung hindi po sila nag-augment, hindi talaga kakayanin ng lalawigan,” said Governor Pineda.
Secretary Gatchalian, representing President Marcos, personally oversaw the distribution of relief items in Bacolor in coordination with the Provincial Government of Pampanga and local officials.
Each affected family received two Family Food Packs, a Family Hygiene Kit, Clothing Kit, Sleeping Kit, and a Family Water Filtration System. Hot meals were also distributed by the DSWD’s food truck, which served lugaw and apples, while Governor Pineda’s “Kusina ni Gov Nanay” team handed out hotdog sandwiches and bottled water to evacuees at temporary shelters.
Gatchalian emphasized that the operation follows President Marcos’ standing directive to ensure that no Filipino is left behind during times of crisis.
“Ito po ay bahagi ng malinaw na utos ng ating Pangulo — na walang maiiwan. Mahigit 615,000 food packs ang naipamahagi ng DSWD para sa mga apektado ng weather disturbances, at patuloy pa po tayong magbibigay ng tulong,” he said.
The Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) confirmed that at least 4,600 residents are currently housed in evacuation sites throughout the province.
Also present during the relief operation were Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Pampanga Board Members Lucky Labung and Fritzie David Dizon, Bacolor Vice Mayor Ron Dungca, Angelina Blanco (Vice Governor’s Chief of Staff/ Executive Assistant IV), Provincial Health Officer Dr. Dax Tidula, PSWDO Officer Fe Manarang, PDRRMO Chief Jan Yambao, and personnel from the DSWD, PDRRMO, PSWDO, GSO, and the Provincial Culinary Team.
Governor Pineda reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with national agencies to sustain relief operations, especially in barangays still submerged in floodwaters and facing limited access to basic necessities.
