The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the initiative of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, extended support to families affected by the recent flooding in the Cagayan Valley Region by sending a truckload of relief goods plus financial aid earlier today, November 16.
On November 13, most parts of the Region, particularly the Province of Cagayan, was submerged due to accumulated effects of typhoons Rolly and Ulysses, aggravated by the massive volume of water released from the Magat Dam, which, at that time, reached a very critical level.
The first batch of aid delivered includes 1,500 food packs, 150 sacks and big boxes (balikbayan boxes) of clothing, over 200 blankets, more than 30 plastic mats, almost 70 cases of bottled mineral water, assorted hygiene kits and boxes of canned goods.
“Lumuwas ang grupo ng PGIN kaninang madaling araw upang ihatid ang ating mga nalikom na donasyon sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo sa Cagayan. On behalf of the Provincial Government, gusto naming pasalamatan ang mga nakiisa at patuloy pang mag-aabot ng tulong sa mga nasalanta nating kababayan,” Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Ms. Corazon Lilian Rin stated.
As PGIN receives overwhelming donations from the Ilokano community, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office at the Provincial Capitol and Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Office are now designated as drop-off points for a more organized processing of donations.
In a video posted on Facebook, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc also expressed his concern to residents and communities affected by the flooding in Cagayan: “I’d like to express my sympathy and support to our fellow Ilokanos in Cagayan who have been affected by the recent floods. As far as we are concerned, you are Ilokanos, you are one of us, we will do everything that we can to support you in your time of need, and we will stand by you until the very end. Please know that you have an ally and a friend in Ilocos Norte.”
Moreover, the Provincial Government continues to receive in-kind and financial donations, which will be donated within this week, further recommending donors to donate brand new or in good condition clothes and blankets for the victims of the flooding.
The DSWD A.O. 11 series of 2012 or the “No Used Clothing Donation Policy,” which is aligned to the Republic Act No. 4653, “supports the local garment industry and to prevent health hazards which may be transmitted through used clothing.” – Stewart C. Ocampo & Blessing Angel V. Agliam, PGIN-CMO
