Help arrives at Munti adopted towns of Alangalang & Jaro, Leyte

“Mauna na po ako magsabi kay Mayor (Rolando Celebre), pero maraming salamat po sa tulong na padala ninyo (With all due respect to Mayor Celebre, I would like to be the first to say thank you for the help you are bringing to us).”

This was all that a grateful rescue volunteer from the town of Jaro, Leyte, told the survey and relief team from Muntinlupa City as help in the form of several hundred kilos of food, clothes, and medicine arrived in the municipality 21 days after typhoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) struck the Visayas.

Mayor Jaime R. Fresnedi led the survey and relief team as they conducted an initial assessment of the adopted towns of Alangalang and Jaro in Leyte last November 28 and 29 to determine their needs and jumpstart the rebuilding effort.

The team, composed of health, rescue, fire, engineering, property assessment, community affairs, local business and trade, as well as agriculture officials, also brought generator sets and chain saws that will be used for clearing operations in the two towns.

Initial assessments by both local officials and the visiting Muntinlupeños indicate that up to around 80 percent of the towns’ agricultural resources have been wiped out or severely damaged by “Yolanda.” Figures released by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) show that more than 10,000 families were affected by the storm’s 315kph winds in the town of Jaro alone.

Other initial findings show the need to restore power and utilities at the soonest possible time, ensuring a continuous food supply, and addressing health issues such as disease outbreaks.

Probably the biggest challenge facing Leyteños is starting over. Agriculture is the primary industry of both Alangalang and Jaro, and it will take considerable time for the towns’ plantations and crops to recover from the massive damage. An alternative source of livelihood is needed for the towns to start and sustain its recovery.

Nevertheless, Fresnedi has committed the City to helping Leyteños stand up from the aftermath of the “Yolanda” disaster. “It is a long journey to recovery, but our kababayan in Alangalang and Jaro can be assured that we Muntinlupeños will do what we can to help see you through this tragedy,” Fresnedi said.

“Be assured—you will never walk alone,” he added.