by Vincent N. Labial
TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- More than a month after deadly Tropical Storm Sendong hit Iligan City, huge quantity of relief goods finally arrived in the remotest barangays of Iligan.
In the multi-sectoral relief operation led by the provincial LGU of Lanao del Norte, twelve army trucks arrived in the interior barangay of Rogongon to deliver essential goods, food items, school supplies and rice packs to victims of the deadliest storm to hit the country for 2011.
This was the first relief operation which used a land convoy to deliver the relief assistance.
In previous humanitarian operations, relief goods had to be flown in via helicopter after parts of the Iligan-Bukidnon road became impassable due to massive landslides triggered by heavy rains.
“This is our humble way of showing the Iliganons that Lanao del Norte cares and that we are one with them in this horrific tragedy. Governor Khalid Dimaporo has also sent our doctors to conduct free clinic in this very remote area,” Information Officer Lyndon Calica said.
More than a hundred children also eagerly participated in the kiddie party organized by Dunkin’ Donuts-Iligan at Calamalamahan Elementary School, Rogongon. The pupils received donuts, masks, tumblers and umbrellas from the local branch of Dunkin’ Donuts.
“We are happy to partner with the provincial government on this laudable event, especially since we are doing this for the Sendong survivors,” Dunkin’ Donuts Manager Nancy Redila expressed.
Aside from the distribution of rice packs containing three kilos of commercial rice each, the Lanao del Norte LGU also gave free medicines to residents who availed of the free clinic at the barangay multi-purpose hall.
Among the civic organizations and NGOs who participated in the massive relief operation were Kiwanis Club (Industrial City), MSU-IIT MPC Cooperative Social Responsibility Committee, PAILIG Development Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Uptown Iligan.
“We really need everyone’s help to rebuild and rehabilitate Iligan. That is why, we are again partnering with Lanao del Norte in delivering the much-needed relief assistance to the victims of Sendong,” said Rotarian Past President Mary Ann Superable-Nacion.
During the short program held at the barangay hall, 2nd District Representative Fatima Aliah Dimaporo encouraged the local residents of Rogongon and Digkilaan that, “life can still be beautiful after Sendong. We just have to work together and help each other through this dark period.”
To reach the distribution site, Dimaporo and the rest of the convoy had to travel for two-hours over treacherous winding roads before reaching Iligan’s remotest barangay.
Provincial employees from the Information Office, Community Affairs Office, Health Office, Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office, and Social Welfare and Development Office were also at hand to facilitate in the humanitarian campaign.
In the event, PAILIG Development Foundation also officially launched its 5Rs for Iligan: Relief, Recovery, Renewal, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction led by its Managing Director Bobby Quijano.
We are happy that Congresswoman Aliah Dimaporo personally visited our place to inspire the people. And we are also thankful to Lanao del Norte and all the organizations who made this relief operation possible” Brgy. Councilor Arnel Ruelan said. (PIO/PIA-LDN)