MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Despite Friday’s heavy rain, crowds gathered in front of the provincial capitol for the much-anticipated Christmas lighting, a moment made even more meaningful considering the countless disasters the people have endured.
The latest among the calamities was Super Typhoon Uwan, which left damage worth at least PHP1 billion to agriculture, PHP224.5 million to livestock and PHP176.5 million to infrastructure
A total of 13,232 farmers and fisherfolk have been affected, based on the report of the Pangasinan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office as of Nov. 20.
“This is just rain. Imagine what we have gone through. The winds are strong. But what we didn’t expect actually is the flooding and the storm surge. Even in Urduja (the official residence of the governor), there was no electricity. Other facilities were flooded. The Sison Auditorium was flooded for the first time. That’s why we have to repair the very historical Sison Auditorium,” Governor Ramon Guico III said in an interview.
Guico said the Christmas tree in front of the capitol remained intact despite the storm, symbolizing the resilience of Pangasinenses.
“It’s a message of hope and a message of salvation. That’s really the purpose of Christmas, right? The birth of Jesus Christ who gives hope to all of us,” he said.
Guico likewise thanked the local government units for their Christmas displays that give hope and joy to their constituents.
Alongside the lighting, the First Spouses League of Pangasinan, led by Guico’s wife Maan, launched the project “Tawiran,” aiming to address illiteracy among out-of-school youths in select towns.
Beneficiaries will receive basic education in reading and writing, with future opportunities for employment for those showing potentials.
“So, rest assured that you have a government that, of course, will back you up. Even though what we can give is not enough. But you have a government that will fight for you. And you have a provincial government that will be with you, especially in times of crisis,” he said. (PNA)