CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda led Monday the distribution of burial assistance to family members of the 42 casualties brought by the Southwest Monsoon or “Habagat”.
Governor Pineda admitted she had mixed emotions while faced with the bereaved.
Pineda said she was pleased that the funds were finally released and could at least assist the families with their funeral expenses, yet the lady governor also felt saddened by the tragedy they were faced with.
“We are aware that no amount of money could help relieve your grief over the loss of your loved ones but we do hope that this small amount would help lessen the expenses you incurred for the funeral services and other needs,” Pineda expressed.
The family beneficiaries each received a check worth P10,000.
The governor also apologized for the delayed release of funds but the recipients were more than grateful for the support extended by the provincial government.
One of them was Carmelita Canlas, mother of Anna Marie Canlas who died during the hit of Habagat.
“We truly appreciate this support given by the governor. She is the true embodiment of a mother who provides for the needs of her children. We wish her good health so she could help more people in need like us,” shared Canlas.
Furthermore, the Pineda also urged the family members to learn from these experiences and to do the necessary precautions during times of calamities, like early evacuation, to avoid casualties in the future.
(Angelique Tuazon, PIO – Pampanga)
