by Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY, December 22 (PIA) – Greatest concerns for the flood victims in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan has been felt by various organizations and individuals here by putting up relief assistance centers.
On Saturday, the day when one of the country’s most destructive typhoon Sendong struck the two major cities in Northern Mindanao – Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, the provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur quickly setting up relief operation’s center dubbed “Operation Tabang’” ng mga Biktima sa Bagyong Sendong at the lobby of the capitol and another relief center of Our Lady of Fatima church in barangay Balangasan was also put up.
On Wednesday, Mayor Samuel Co has ordered the city social welfare and development office to set up disaster operation’s center at the lobby of the executive function hall whose sole purpose is to help the flood victims.
Social welfare officer IV June Gayapa said the chief executive has set up disaster center to facilitate donations from people who want to help and support the flood victims in this time of need.
During the launching of the center, 3 big boxes of used clothings were donated by Luna Tejano of Lumbia district, Gayapa said who personally manned the center.
Gayapa is appealing to the generous people especially the employees, barangay officials, businessmen, and etc. to give heartily for flood victims.
”The city government is appealing to everyone to give donations and help ease the suffering of the people ,” Gayapad said.
Gayapa suggested the donors to donate instant noodles, canned foods, bottled water, mats, blankets as the priority needs of the flood-striken vcitims.
Meanhile, city councilor Arnold Gavenia, chairman of the committee on motorized tricylce franchising and regulatory board (MTFRB) of the Sannguniang Panlungsod has called a meeting to the 23 presidents of the tricylce associations in his office and discussed the tranport sectors’ move for helping the flood victims.
Gavenia said the tricycle association presidents unanimously agreed to extend financal help and to give usable clothes for each driver.
”If we can collect the used clothings from the 2,850 drivers, we will immediatley send it to the affected families in various evacuation centes,” Gavenia added.
Gavenia requested the drivers to send their donation in his office at the Legislative Building.
Pag-IBIG Fund manager Ibrahim Lajarato with his team on Wednesday made a visit with their branch office in Cagayan de Oro and turned-over their goods and supplies.
Today, the team proceeded to Iligan City and turned-over another goods and supplies to branch manager Ferdinand Saniel
Lajarato said their office has set aside an amount from the fund they cntributed during their Christmas party and bought goods and supplies for the flood victims in the said cities. (JPA/GCC/PIA9-Pagadian)