Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. and the Red Pillars Foundation have donated a total of 43 sacks of rice to evacuation centers in Angeles and Mabalacat cities as heavy rains from the southwest monsoon (Habagat) continue to affect several communities.

Cong. Pogi provided 28 sacks of rice for evacuees in seven barangays in Angeles City and two barangays in Mabalacat City.

Twenty sacks will be distributed to Barangays Sapangbato, Margot, Amsic, Balibago, Pandan, Sto. Domingo, and San Nicolas in Angeles City, while eight sacks will be allocated to Barangays Mabiga and Dau in Mabalacat City.

“Sa ganitong panahon ng kalamidad, importante ang tulungan ng bawat isa,” Lazatin said.

The Red Pillars Foundation, led by Lazatin’s Chief Adviser and Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary IC Calaguas and Chief Political Affairs Officer Reina Manuel, also donated 15 sacks of rice to the same communities.

Pandan Barangay Captain Cors Alejandrino expressed appreciation for the assistance, saying the rice donation would help provide food for residents who were evacuated due to the continuing rains.

“Nagpapasalamat kami kay Cong. Pogi para sa donasyong ito dahil malaking tulong ito sa aming mga residente na inilikas sa evacuation centers,” Alejandrino said.

She added, “Parang ulan ang biyaya galing kay Cong. Pogi, Asec. IC at MNR — walang hinto.”

The Margot Barangay Council, led by Barangay Captain Dominador Lising, also thanked Lazatin for the assistance through a Facebook post, noting that the donation brought relief and hope to families affected by the Habagat.

Since Friday, August 28, Cong. Pogi his staff have been visiting affected barangays across the First District to monitor evacuation centers and deliver food and relief packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

During his visit to Barangays Sto. Domingo and Anunas on August 28, residents also greeted Lazatin with a “Happy Birthday” song as he marked his 57th birthday that day.