Flood-hit families, who are now taking refuge in an elementary school converted into an evacuation site, expressed warm appreciation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for personally checking on them and providing them with assistance, hours after his return from an official trip to the United States.
President Marcos visited Maly Elementary School Evacuation Center, in San Mateo, Rizal, to check on the victims and inspect the distribution of relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Assistance includes family food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, family water filtration kits, and ready-to-eat meals.
When interviewed by the Presidential News Desk on Thursday, Jocelyn Paman, a 56-year-old evacuee, expressed her gratitude for the President’s visit and assistance that eased their situation.
“Malaking bagay po sa amin ‘yan kasi malaking tulong din po ‘yung naipapaabot niya sa amin. Kahit papaano nakakaraos naman po kami rito,” Paman said.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami nang marami sa Pangulo natin na binigyan niya po kami ng ganito kahit papaano mairaraos po namin ang pang-araw-araw namin dito sa school. Kahit mahirap po nakakayanan naman po namin, nakakaraos naman po kami,” Paman said.
Another evacuee, Riah Serafin, said she was overjoyed to see the President.
“Para sa amin, masaya kasi nabisita kami ng pangulo kasi bihira lang naman mangyari sa buhay namin ‘yung ganoon,” Serafin said.
Serafin said she hopes that the assistance would continue, especially since many of them are unable to work.
“'[Sana] matulungan kasi ganyan ba na hindi kami nakakapaghanapbuhay. ’Yun po kahit ‘yun man lang sa mga pagkain, ‘yun ‘yung ano namin,” Serafin said.
Rosalia Dulay, a senior citizen, said the aid will help her and other evacuees to save money during these challenging times.
“Makakatipid kami ngayon,” Dulay said.
President Marcos’ visit reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support communities affected by disasters, ensuring timely relief and care for those in need.
The DSWD stated in a report that as of 4:00 a.m. on July 24, 546 families, or 2,102 individuals, were currently taking shelter at Malay Elementary School. | PND
