GUAGUA, PAMPANGA — Pampanga Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda together with wife and Sta. Rita Mayor Yolanda “Yolly” Pineda spent Valentine’s day with the fire victims of Purok 3, Barangay Sto. Cristo of this town.
The vice governor, with support of the provincial government, led the relief and medical operations at the Sto. Cristo Chapel where the affected families stayed over the weekend.
According to Elizabeth Baybayan, head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), a total of 65 households were affected by the fire.
Baybayan added, the the victims underwent stress debriefing and were provided with immediate needs like set of clothes, kitchen utensils, blanket, woven mat (banig), dipper (tabo), basin (planggana), toothpaste, toothbrush, and food packs comprised of canned goods, one sack of rice and water.
Financial assistance was also provided by the provincial and municipal government officials.
Angie Blanco, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said the fire victims will temporarily stay at the covered court of the said barangay. Possible shelter assistance will also be provided for the victims.
Vice Governor Pineda reminded the victims to be strong despite the challenges that they are currently facing.
Meanwhile, former president and congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also pledged to distribute assistance to the affected families.
Fire victims expressed their gratitude to the provincial government for the immediate assistance given to them.
By Liezel Cayanan
