JOEL P. MAPILES
CANDABA, Pamp. — Governor Lilia “Nanay Baby” G. Pineda enjoined all municipalities, cities and all government agencies in the province to spend a minute of silence to pray for the people and victims of earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
In behalf of her Cabalen, the governor has also expressed her deepest sympathies and condolences to those who have lost their loved ones, to the Japanese and their government who are now facing a great test.
The governor said Pampanga as of the moment has no material things to offer but she said, the Japanese people could count and expect that the Kapampangans are united in prayer asking the Almighty for His mercy and the speedy recovery of Japan and its people.
She added that the Kapampangans are praying for the victims of Japan earthquake and tsunami waves as it was struck by an 8.9 earthquake, triggering tsunami tidal waves on the northeast part of Japan.
It can be recalled that magnitude-8.9 earthquake struck Japan offshore on March 11, creating a tsunami that swept over low-lying areas, carrying boats, cars and even buildings with it and destroying nearly everything in its path. More than 6,900 people are confirmed dead so far, and another 10,700 are missing.
It was learned that the disaster also damaged a seaside nuclear power plant, which remains in crisis as workers struggle under dangerous conditions to prevent a meltdown and major radiation leaks.
With this, the governor said,“ the Kapampangans are all extremely concerned and are praying to God to provide the victims and their families the courage and endurance – to support one another strongly. Please have courage, we are all praying for you,” she said in a statement.
The governor stressed that the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has played a very important role in the full restoration, rehabilitation and development of the province since the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991.
“We cannot achieve what we have achieved now if not with the valuable support of other countries like Japan. Up to now, the Japanese government is extending support to Pampanga through their JICA projects as part of their commitment to development,” she said.
It can be noted that most of the major infrastructure and irrigation projects implemented by the national government after the Pinatubo eruption has been funded by JICA.
