Philippine Army chief distributes relief goods to flood displaced families in Pila, Laguna

MANILA, Aug. 18 (PNA) -- Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, together with various groups, distributed three truckloads of relief goods to families affected by the massive monsoon flooding in Pila, Laguna last Friday. 

Major Harold Cabunoc, PA spokesperson, said the distribution took place around 2p.m. at the Pila town gymnasium. 

"This is the essence of 'Bayanihan' that we are advocating nationwide. Your Army will always be a willing partner in these efforts which benefit the people in affected communities," Bautista stressed. 

Pila Mayor Edgardo Ramos appreciated the gesture shown by the PA, especially upon learning that Bautista himself was joining the relief efforts. 

Ramos said that 962 families received the packs of relief goods containing bottled water, canned goods, rice and clothing. 

Earlier in the day, soldiers and policemen also distributed relief items in Bagong Pook village of the same town. 

Lt. Col. Jose Augusto Villareal of the 1st Infantry Battalion and Laguna Police Provincial Director Senior Supt Gilbert Cruz personally handed out relief items to at least 350 families whose homes are still flooded. 

The relief goods were provided by ABS-CBN's Sagip Kapamilya, an active organization in the relief operations in many affected communities. 

Bautista has directed the Civil-Military Operations Group of the PA to support various NGOs in relief operations. 

Similar efforts are also supported by the Army in affected areas of Metro Manila, Pampanga, Pangasinan and Bulacan. 

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Philippine News Agency | August 18, 2012 | Article Link