Pacquiao arrives in Eastern Visayas, lifts spirits soldier and typhoon Yolanda victims
By DPAO, 8ID PA
December 2, 2013
TACLOBAN CITY – Hon. Congressman Emmanuel D. Pacquiao arrived in Eastern Visayas via Guiuan, Eastern Samar on November 30, 2013.
Pacquiao started his first day in the region by distributing relief goods to typhoon Yolanda victims at Guiuan, Eastern Samar and two other towns in Samar Provinces. He spent his second day by distributing relief goods in the town of Tanauan, Leyte and his third day was spent attending the flag raising ceremony at Tacloban City Hall.
After the flag raising, he distributed relief goods at Tacloban Astrodome evacuation center then proceeded to Brgy. Suhi mass grave site where he led the pray-over for the souls of those who were buried at said gravesite. He is expected to spend his fourth day in the region at Ormoc City, where he will also distribute relief goods.
In his message of condolence to the survivors after the flag raising at Tacloban City Hall, he said: “Alam ko na ang Pilipino ay di nagpapatalo, kailangang laban sa anumang pagsubok sa buhay, kaya natin yan at ang Panginoon ay tutulong na ma-restore ang buhay natin, kaya magtiwala tayo sa Kanya.” (“I know that Filipinos will not surrender to challenges, we can do it. The Lord will help in restoring our lives, so let us put our trust on Him.”)
More than the relief goods brought by Pacquiao, is the inspiration, hope and happiness that the people felt in getting to see him personally after rejuvenating his boxing career by beating Brandon Rios on November 24, 2013. The bout which was shown at several Tacloban City evacuation centers brought joy among the people in the midst of the misery brought about by Yolanda.
The 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army is thankful for the kind gesture of Hon. Pacquiao. He lifted the spirits of the typhoon Yolanda stricken people as well as the weary members of the uniformed personnel and civilian volunteers performing Yolanda related relief operations.
Col Emmanuel Cacdac, Deputy Commander TF Yolanda said: “The visit of Hon. Congressman Emmanuel D. Pacquiao is a welcome respite for the people of Eastern Visayas. Their varied reactions say it all, he is loved and revered by the people. Coming from the ranks of the poor, he evolved from obscurity to become a well-known boxer, a generous philanthropist, and a humble and spiritual person. It is no wonder that he is referred to as the country’s national treasure. TF Yolanda, 8th Infantry Division is proud of him, more so as he is a Reservist Officer of the Philippine Army.”