According to Lopez, this donation aims to supplement rice supply in the ongoing relief operations of the provincial government for the Ilokanos badly hit by Super Typhoon Egay last month.
“Alam po namin na hindi ganoon kadali ang pinagdaanan ninyo noong nakaraang bagyo. Sana po ay sa simpleng paraan po na nakayanan ng City Government of Valenzuela sa pamumuno ni Mayor Wes Gatchalian, sana po ay maipabatid po namin ang aming taos-pusong pagtulong,” said Lopez in her message during the ceremonial turnover of rice donation.
Lopez hopes that this will mark a strengthened relationship between the two local government units.
About 16 provinces, towns, and cities were declared under State of Calamity due to the damages and losses caused by the recent destructive typhoon. This prompted the City Government of Valenzuela to pass a resolution to provide relief assistance to affected areas.
“Yung mga nag-declare ng state of calamity [dahil kay Egay], nag-issue ang City Government of Valenzuela ng resolution upang mabigyan ng tulong. Hindi man kaya ng lahat dahil napakalawak ng pinsalang dulot ng bagyong Egay, ngunit nais naming ipaabot sa ating mga kasamaan na public servants na nandito kami para tumulong,” said Gatchalian during a media interview.
Meanwhile, Vice Governor Marcos expressed her gratitude for the sacks of rice received by the provincial government for the Ilokano community.
“We thank you for your generosity kasi talagang nahirapan kami noong Egay,” said Marcos who spoke on behalf of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc.
After his visit in Ilocos Norte, Gatchalian headed to the Province of Ilocos Sur to provide same relief assistance. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)
