BOXING sensation Manny Pacquiao is set to arrive in Bacolod City Thursday afternoon from Iloilo and Aklan to hand over his million-peso donation to victims of Typhoon Frank last month.
Ambassador Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco and wife, Gretchen, is hosting Pacquiao’s visit in Hacienda Balbina in Pontevedra town.
Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said it was the request of Cojuangco’s wife, Gretchen, to play host to the newly crowned World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion.
“Pacquiao’s donation will be coursed through the Lion’s Club in Bacolod for proper disposition.”
Aside from Bacolod City, Pacquiao will also give a P1.5-million donation to Iloilo City and P500,000 to Aklan, the mayor said.
There will be a motorcade along the main thoroughfares of the city before the ‘Pacman’ will proceed in front of the Bacolod City Hall for a short program where he will be awarded as ‘Bugal sang Bacolod’ as well as for autograph signing.
From Bacolod City Hall, he will proceed directly to Hacienda Balbina.
Leonardia said this is the only time he had asked Pacquiao for a favor. “I asked this (of him) after the last fight. I have not received a single centavo from him except tickets and accommodation. I am thanking him publicly in behalf of Bacolod City.”
Pacquiao’s last stop in Bacolod was on July 17, 2006.(Erwin Ambo Delilan & Gil Alfredo Severino)
