Iligan City Mayor Lawrence LL. Cruz recently released a three-page resolution to express the province’s deep gratitude to broadcast leader GMA Network and its socio-civic arm GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) for the latter’s quick and comprehensive response when typhoon Sendong caused catastrophic damage in Southern Philippines last December 2011.
The said tropical cyclone claimed the lives of more than a thousand people and left more than 15,000 houses in the South either completely or partially damaged.
In the resolution, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Iligan acknowledged GMA Network’s immediate assistance, which significantly diminished hunger and outbreaks in the most affected areas.
The resolution read, “…among those who swiftly responded was GMA Network, whose management immediately dispatched their reporters to Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro.” The broadcast company, thru the use of its online and traditional broadcast platforms, generated massive donations and sympathy for the victims of typhoon Sendong from here and abroad.
The resolution likewise detailed GMAKF’s relief and long-term assistance to the province of Iligan. The Foundation, having served as a “conduit for donations received from all over the country and even abroad,” distributed urgent needs like food, water, and medicines to the most affected individuals thru strategically establishing command posts in key areas in Iligan.
And as part of its comprehensive and long-term contribution, GMAKF erects 200 housing units in Barangay Mandulog, Iligan City to serve as relocation site of those displaced by typhoon Sendong.
GMAKF Executive Vice President Mel Tiangco herself recently led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kapuso Village in Iligan. The said village will also house a barangay center, a water system and a school for the children of affected families.
“The people of Iligan cherish such generosity and would certainly remember it, even with the passage of time,” the resolution added.
