TACLOBAN CITY ? Boxing icon Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao believes that this city will rise from the devastation of typhoon ?Yolanda? last November 8.
?We will fight and rise again,? Pacquiao said during the flag-raising ceremony at the city hall at around 8:30 a.m.
He said that he will do everything in his authority to ensure that Tacloban City will be rebuilt and restored to its former prosperity. ?I will do everything to see to it that you (Tacloban City residents) will get back to your feet again.?
Pacquiao prayed and called for God to bless this city as he extended his condolences to the families who suffered death and destruction during Yolanda?s onslaught.
Pacquiao likened Tacloban City?s ordeal to his harrowing losses to American Timothy Bradley and Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012.
But instead of sulking over these reversals, the Filipino boxing champion said he gradually worked into contention, culminating in his decisive win over American Brandon Rios in Macau last November 24.
The boxing champ said that Tacloban City residents can accomplish this with the help of their kindhearted countrymen and God?s help.
Pacquiao said that he will pray for the eventual relief and rehabilitation of Tacloban City and will do everything in his authority to help them in their hour of need.
The boxing champ handed around R2.5 million and tons of relief goods to the Tacloban City government for distribution to distressed residents Sunday.
The money came from Sarangani and various charitable organizations.
Aside from this, the boxing champ distributed an unspecified amount to residents whom he met while conducting relief runs in Yolanda-battered towns in Eastern Samar Sunday.
?Tindog Tacloban,? Pacquiao said three times before leaving for another relief run at the Tacloban City Convention Center aboard a black van. (PNA)
