CITY OF MALOLOS – Amid the continuing challenges brought by the flooding, Governor Daniel R. Fernando personally visited affected communities in Bulacan to check on the situation of residents and personally deliver relief assistance from the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) and the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
More than simply overseeing the distribution of relief goods, Fernando went to the flood-hit areas due to the combined effects of the southwest monsoon, and typhoons Luis, Maymay, and Neneng, to see the condition of Bulakenyos, talk to families, and determine their immediate needs.
“Narito po kami upang kayo ay tingnan, kumustahin, at makita kung ano ang nangyari,” the governor said as he personally handed relief goods to residents of Bocaue, Bulacan yesterday.
As of August 21, the PGB through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office has distributed relief assistance to more or less 50,000 families in the most affected areas in Santa Maria, Guiguinto, Balagtas, Bocaue, Calumpit, Hagonoy, Paombong, Norzagaray, Pandi, and Angat.
Meanwhile, according to the situational report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), nine of the 24 cities and municipalities of the province reported flooding with an estimated water depth of one to three feet.
In addition, 1,761 families or 6,442 individuals are still taking shelter in 71 evacuation centers around the province.
The PDRRMO has also reported a total of P130,620,756.50 damages and losses to agriculture and fisheries; P4,459,750 estimated losses to livestock and poultry; and P180 million estimated damages to infrastructure.
Moving forward, the governor vowed to continuously call on the national government to pay attention and lay long-term solution to the perennial flooding problem in the province.
“Manalangin po tayo na mapabilis ang feasibility study na atin pong nakikita na pangmatagalang solusyon sa problemang kinakaharap ng ating lalawigan sa pagbaha,” the governor said.
###
