More than 2,600 participants coming from different sectors of the society form a heart-shape human chain expressing their solidarity with the families of the victims of typhoon Sendong at the Clark parade grounds recently.
Local officials (inset) led by Gov. Pineda, Mayor Pamintuan and wife Miniang (left), Councilor Edu, Vice Gov. Guiao join Remollo (center) in the candle-lighting.
Photos by Ric Gonzales
CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines – It was a moment of silence, a sign of love and care.More than 2,600 people lighted candles and joined the forming of a heart-shape human chain here recently to sympathize with the families of typhoon Sendong’s victims in Mindanao.
Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President and CEO Felipe Antonio B. Remollo said the event netted more than P600,000 cash and post-dated checks donated by the participants mostly employees of CDC, various groups from nearby Angeles City and Mabalacat town, and those affiliated with Clark Investors and Locators Association.
“We are expressing our strength and solidarity for the families affected by Sendong’s wrath in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Damaguete and other affected areas in Southern Philippines,” Remollo said.
Members of the Philippine Air Force, Gov. Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and his wife Herminia, Vice Gov. Yeng Guiao, and Councilor Edu Pamintuan joined Remollo in leading the candle-lighting ceremony.
Mayor Pamintuan, who came from Marquee mall to award the cleaners and brightest barangay in Angeles, said he also urged city hall employees, barangay officials and his constituents to join the activity.
Pampanga First District Rep. Carmelo Lazatin, ALE Partylist Rep. Catalina Bagasina and Bases Conversion and Development Authority Chairman Felicito Payumo also attended the event.
Initiated by CDC, the project “Clark CARES: Human Chain for Typhoon Sendong Victims” aims to gather more donations and other assistance, Remollo said.
Clark CARES stands for “Clark Community Assistance, Relief and Emergency Services”.
Remollo also said that CDC earlier donated P250,000 worth of rice and goods to Negros Oriental and Dumaguete City where he was a former mayor.
A lantern display was also held after the candle-lighting activity.
