Manuel V. Pangilinan went back to Barangay San Juan in Apalit, Pampanga, the community where he grew up, to hand out relief packs to families displaced by weeks of monsoon flooding.
The Meralco chairman and CEO distributed the packs to evacuees at Jose Escaler Memorial School in Barangay San Juan earlier this month, Daily Tribune reported. The area was among those hit hardest by the floods brought by the southwest monsoon, or habagat, which forced residents to evacuate.
Through the MVP Tulong Kapatid Network
The relief effort ran through the MVP Tulong Kapatid network, Tribune reported. Its members are:
- One Meralco Foundation, led by president Jeffrey Tarayao
- PLDT-Smart Foundation, led by president Esther Santos
- Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, led by president Melody del Rosario
- Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc., led by executive director Menchie Silvestre
- Maynilad Water Services Inc., led by head of corporate affairs and communications Anette de Ocampo
- Makati Medical Center Foundation, led by executive director Marge Barro
More relief packs and drinking water were turned over to the Apalit municipal government for distribution to other flood-affected residents, according to Tribune. The group thanked Apalit Mayor Oscar "Jun" Tetangco Jr. and Vice Mayor Peter Nucom for their help.
"Grateful to Be Able to Listen"
In a social media post, Pangilinan said he was "grateful to be able to listen to what our people needed," Tribune reported.
5,500 Families Reached Since August
The Apalit visit is part of a wider relief effort. Since the start of August, One Meralco Foundation has delivered aid to more than 5,500 families affected by flooding and heavy rains in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga, and it continues its relief operations, according to Tribune.
Staying Safe When Floodwaters Rise
With the rainy season still on, Meralco also reminded customers to take precautions against electrical accidents during floods, Tribune reported:
- Before or during a flood: Turn off the main power switch or circuit breaker, but only with completely dry hands and feet. Unplug all appliances, switch off permanently connected devices, and remove light bulbs if it is safe to do so.
- After the water subsides: Clear mud and debris from electrical equipment using rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes. Never handle equipment that is still wet or submerged, and make sure all wires, outlets and devices are completely dry before using them.
- Before restoring power: Have a licensed electrician inspect appliances and home wiring. Don't use flood-damaged equipment even if it seems to work, because hidden water damage can cause electric shock or fire.
