City government, business sector donate relief goods to Zamboanga evacuees

By Gideon C. Corgue   

PAGADIAN CITY – Supporting the national government’s appeal to help over 100,000 people displaced by the ongoing standoff in Zamboanga City between the MNLF rebels and government troops, the city government thru the Department of Social Welfare and Development turned-over the first batch  of relief goods to the Provincial Capitol here.

City DSWD officer-in-charge Teresita Roldan said a truckload of relief goods including used clothing, mats, mosquito nets, blankets, ready-to-eat foods (canned goods, noodles, etc) donated by the local government and business sector were turned over to the provincial government on Thursday, September 26.

This is the outcome of the solicitation letter signed by Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones addressed to the owners of business establishments appealing for their help for the evacuees in Zamboanga City,” Roldan said.

“We have sent letters to 109 business establishments but as of now, there are only 20 establishments who have responded. We expect to have more relief goods this week and so we will be sending another batch anytime next week,” Roldan added.

Roldan said there is also some cash donated by banks and commercial establishments that was turned-over to the provincial government.

 “I sincerely thank the generous donors for their cooperation and support extended to the evacuees,” Roldan said adding that the goods could be of great help to prevent them from getting sick due to lack of food and proper sanitation.

She said CSWD staff are doing constant follow-up to business establishments for more donations to be given to the evacuees in Zamboanga.  (PIA9)