SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA)—Super typhoon Carina’s destructive wrath had drawn out the best of Filipinos’ “bayanihan” spirit in the province.
As Carina began to pound the province with heavy rain, the Provincial Government of La Union immediately provided free shuttle rides to stranded commuters heading home.
Free rides covered the major route leading to the province’s center, San Fernando City, through the northernmost town of Sudipen and the southernmost town of Rosario, enabling employees a smooth ride to their homes.
Nearly 100 stranded commuters were served, particularly employees working in the province’s capital.
On the same day, responders from La Union’s Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), along with other volunteers, conducted clearing operations on road sections in different areas of debris left by the super typhoon in Caba town, in a show of community effort between the public and private stakeholders.
Clearing operations along the Aringay-Tubao road in the province’s southern area were also jointly conducted by La Union’s PEO in tandem with the local government of Aringay, with machinery such as a wheel loader and dump truck immediately sent to provide support in the affected area.
Also, the provincial government canceled government work and classes at all levels on July 25, enabling residents to focus on their safety and the protection of their properties and resources.
La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David called on everyone’s support and cooperation to ensure that swift assistance is delivered to those in need.
“Let’s continue to keep each other safe and uplifted as we navigate through these challenges. We are here for you, and together, we will emerge stronger and more united than ever,” Ortega-David said.
Precious Reyes, from Agoo, La Union, said that the free bus ride provided by the provincial government came at the perfect time, helping stranded workers get home safe and dry.
“Let us all take care of our families. Thank you to the [free bus service] governor,” Reyes said in Filipino.
Meanwhile, the La Union Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) issued a situational report on July 25 at 11 a.m. indicating that there were a total of 1,261 families, or 4,263 individuals, in 44 barangays and 11 municipalities affected by Super Carina.
Of the total, 59 families, or 150 individuals, were served inside six evacuation centers in the municipalities of Luna, Agoo, Bauang, and Caba. (AMB/CCMT/PIA La Union)
