LAOAG CITY — Still reeling from the wrath of Typhoon "Ompong" (Mangkhut), some 225 families in the coastal village of Caaoacan, this city were all smiles on Thursday as they each went home with 10 kilos of rice.
While carrying a bag of rice courtesy of Petron Corporation, 53-year-old Janet Andres said the supply would last for two days for her family of seven.
"I have four grandchildren who are staying with me. This could last for two days for us," said Andres, referring to the 10-kilo bag of rice handed to her by city government workers.
As in various parts of Ilocos Norte, families here who are dependent on fishing and farming for livelihood have to work double time in the aftermath of the typhoon in order to make ends meet.
“We are thankful to the city government and Petron for quickly responding to our needs,” said Carida Damaso, whose house was partially damaged at the height of "Ompong".
Several households here are still repairing their houses that were ravaged by strong winds during the typhoon's onslaught.
City Mayor Chevylle Fariñas, after the rice distribution in a makeshift tent at the Caaoacan basketball court, also thanked Petron for the rice donation.
“They are not only doing business in Laoag but they also give back to the people through their services and relief aids during calamity,” she said.
On Thursday, Fariñas accompanied representatives of Petron in Barangays Caaoacan, Cataban, Calayab and Araniw in Laoag City to distribute rice.
A total of 3,000 families in Cagayan and Ilocos Norte have so far benefited from Petron’s donation. The areas were selected based on data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on those with the most numbers of families affected by Typhoon Ompong.
“Through our station dealers, who share in our advocacy of nation-building, we are able directly identify and alleviate the most pressing concerns of local communities. In this case, we saw the need for additional relief operations in Ilocos Norte and Cagayan and support government efforts to help get these communities back on the feet,” a statement issued by the oil company said. (PNA)
