Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao on Sunday got a warm welcome as he returned to General Santos City, even as he was set to help constituents affected by recent flash floods in Srangani province.
A Bible-toting Pacquiao arrived in General Santos City at 10 a.m. and was welcomed by family members led by his mother Dionisia, according to a report on “Balitanghali.” City officials also joined the committee that welcomed Pacquiao, who cut short his vacation in the United States so he can be with his constituents in Srangani at their time of need.
During a press conference shortly after his arrival, Pacquiao said he wanted to help those affected by floods in Sarangani, the province he represents in the House of Representatives.
The champ, who arrived in the country Saturday, declined a hero’s welcome so he can immediately proceed to Mindanao to help his constituents.
In Malaca?ang, meanwhile, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said they have no information if President Benigno Aquino III will also visit areas hit by flash floods last week.
“We have not been apprised of the schedule of the president for the coming week,” she said on government-run dzRB radio.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s latest report on Sarangani as of 6 a.m. Saturday indicated the floods had affected 6,183 families or 30,937 people in 41 villages in five towns and three cities in six provinces.
Of these, 104 families or 476 people are in five evacuation centers.
Also, it said the floods left 10 dead, two injured and 43 still missing.
Damage to property in Sarangani province alone was estimated at P2,051,646.75, the NDRRMC said.
