P1.3M Pacquiao aid to be used in helping those left homeless by typhoon
Lilia Recto, president of the Vicariate of St. Paul Catholic
Women's League turns over to Jaro Archbishop Angel
Lagdameo the P1,349,453.75 check which is part of the
P1.5 million financial assistance of Filipino boxing hero
Manny Pacquiao to the typhoon Frank victims. Also in
photo are: Linda Braña, Carrie Pelaco, Marilou Chavez,
Juliet Nacion and Viola Belo.
The bulk of the financial contribution of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao to victims of typhoon "Frank" in Iloilo will be spent on helping those left homeless by the worst flooding experienced by Ilonggos, according to Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.
Lagdameo on Thursday received a check worth P1,349,453.75 from Lilia Recto, President of the St. Paul Vicariate of the Catholic Women's League (CWL), CWL-Iloilo President Marilou Chavez and other officers of the league, representing the balance of the P1.5 million donated by Pacquiao from his winning earnings to the flood victims.
Recto, who along with the CWL, organized Pacquiao's visit and relief giving, said they spent P150,546.25 to buy 587 food packs and other related expenses during Pacquiao's visit here on July 17.
Pacquiao had distributed the food packs to typhoon victims at the Jaro Cathedral compound where he was mobbed by thousands of fans.
The boxing champion had expressed preference to channel his help through the Church whom he asked to identify the victims that will be given assistance, said Recto.
She said the boxing champion had initially wanted the whole amount to be spent on food assistance but the fund was only wired a day before his visit with limited time to purchase and prepare more food packs.
Lagdameo said Pacquiao had agreed during his visit that the balance of his assistance will be used to buy materials to rebuild the help rebuild the homes of some of those left homeless.
"We believe that there are already many organizations and individuals who are giving food assistance. But we need to address the long-term needs of the victims. We need a more enduring help for those whose houses were destroyed," said Lagdameo.
At least 145 of the city's 180 barangays were affected by flooding and more than half of the 418,000 residents. Twenty four died and at least 169 were injured in what is considered the worst flooding in this city and Western Visayas
Lagdameo said the identification of the recipients and release of assistance will be handled by the Jaro Archdiocese Social Action Center.
But he said the amount would not be enough to help the tens of thousands of those left homeless.
"We could not help all the victims. We can only help those who need it most," the prelate said.