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.”