Filipinos affected by severe flooding and Taal Volcano’s activity recently got immediate assistance from the ABS-CBN Foundation as it continues its mission to serve Filipinos in need wherever they are in the country.
Among those that received assistance were mothers Jocelyn Hernandez of Oriental Mindoro and Rose Gonzales of San Mateo, Rizal who both fled from their homes with their families to avoid possible danger due to the continuous rains.
Jocelyn, who no longer has a home to come home to as flood water took down the walls of her house, was able to get rice, canned goods, hygiene kits, alcohol, mask, and clothes for her family. Rose and her family, on the other hand, received hot meals, vitamins, and masks together with over 1,200 other evacuees staying at the Brgy. Sta. Ana Elementary School during the height of the rains.
Rose told “TV Patrol” why they decided to leave their home early. “Hindi na po namin ma’am hintayin na nandiya-diyan na ‘yung tubig sa amin. Kasi kung three days po ‘yung ulan-ulan ng gabi, three days din po akong hindi natutulog. Naranasan ko na po talaga ‘yung lumangoy kami, grabe. Pagkatapos noon naiwan sa amin ‘yung kati po sa katawan kaya dalang-dala na po talaga ako,” she shared.
Aside from Rizal, the Foundation also went to Marikina, Zambales, and Batangas to bring relief goods for those affected by the floods.
Meanwhile, 3,979 families in evacuation centers from Agoncillo, Laurel, Tanauan, Balete, and Nasugbu in Batangas also received help through “Tulong Tulong sa Taal.” Frontliners who respond to calls for help during the Taal volcano’s activity were given N95 masks, alcohol, and vitamins.
“Pantawid ng Pag-ibig” continues to aid those who lost their jobs and whose livelihoods were affected by the pandemic just like the dressmakers and tailors of Taytay, Rizal.
Through community pantry organizer Camille Balabis, ABS-CBN Foundation learned about their community’s struggle and they were among the 400 families in Brgy. Darangan who received rice and canned goods. “Isang meal a day ‘yung ma-survive nila sobrang tuwang-tuwa na po sila nun. So much more pa kaya ito na ilang kilong bigas ‘yung nakuha nila, palagay ko po magtatagal ng ilang araw ‘yung supply so malaking-malaking bagay po talaga ‘to,” Camille told “TV Patrol.”
Last July, “Pantawid ng Pag-ibig” also made stops in Bulacan, Manila, Navotas, Pateros, Caloocan, Valenzuela, and Taguig to bring help to those in need.
With another Enhanced Community Quarantine being imposed in Metro Manila and other areas to avoid another surge in COVID-19 cases, Filipinos can still expect the assistance of ABS-CBN News and ABS-CBN Foundation with the help of donors and partner organizations. For more details on how to donate, visit www.abs-cbnfoundation.com or the official Facebook page of ABS-CBN Foundation (@abscbnfoundationinc).
For ABS-CBN updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok or go to www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.
