The local government of Caloocan City, together with the City Social Welfare Department (CSWD), distributed relief goods to families in South Caloocan, who were affected by flooding brought by Typhoon Carina on Wednesday, July 24.
According to the city's public information office, the city government prepared 74 evacuation centers in the city to accommodate 2, 715 families affected by flooding.
City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along”’ Malapitan visited several barangays and evacuation centers, and led rescue operations in coordination with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
Malapitan emphasized the city government’s commitment to prioritizing the needs and welfare of its residents.
“Sinusubukan nating tugunan ang pangangailangan ng lahat at binibigyang prayoridad natin ang mga kababayan nating higit na nangangailangan (We are striving to address everyone's needs, prioritizing our fellow citizens who are most in need),” he said.
He added that the city health centers were open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, to provide medical assistance to the residents.
“Tapos na tayo sa rescue operations, focus naman natin ngayon ay ang pamamahagi ng relief at ang matiyak na nasa mabuting kalusugan ng mga mamamayan natin kaya bukas ang lahat ng health centers sa Caloocan bukod pa sa sabay-sabay na medical mission na isinasagawa natin (We have completed the rescue operations; our focus now is on distributing relief goods and ensuring the well-being of our citizens. All health centers in Caloocan are open, in addition to the simultaneous medical missions we are conducting),” Malapitan said.
The local government called on volunteers to help in repacking relief goods and participating in rescue operations.
Residents who are interested in offering their assistance can get in touch with the City Gender and Development Resource Coordinating Office (CGDRCO) to coordinate their efforts.
“Sa gitna ng mga pagsubok na ating kinakaharap sa pananalanta ng Bagong Carina at Habagat, muli nating ipinapakita ang diwa ng bayanihan at pagtutulungan (Amid the challenges we face with the onslaught of Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon, we once again demonstrate the spirit of community and cooperation),” Malapitan said in a Facebook post.
“Bagama’t handa ang lungsod, nakakatuwa na marami sa ating mga kababayan ang gustong maghatid ng kanilang tulong (Although the city is prepared, it is heartening to see that many of our fellow citizens want to offer their assistance),” he added.
The mayor also announced that a donation drive will be launched for those willing to contribute food, clothing, and other necessities.
Donations can be brought to Bulwagang Katipunan, 3rd floor, in Caloocan City Hall.
He also expressed his gratitude to the public for their unwavering support and compassion towards the affected individuals.
“Taos-puso ang asking Pasasalamat' sa inyong walang sawang pagbibigay ng Aksyon at Malasakit sa kapwa (I sincerely thank you for your consistent dedication and care for others),” the mayor said.