"While I’m aware that nothing can bring back the lives that were lost, I hope that this donation from us can ease even a little of the pain and suffering your people are nursing now and help the survivors in rebuilding their shattered lives," Gatchalian said.
Accepting the donation from the people of Valenzuela were Lerias and St. Bernard Mayor Maria Lim.
Gatchalian dug into his personal pocket and added P20,000 of his own to the pot.
Valenzuela Vice Mayor Antonio Espiritu, together with local social welfare chief Venus Gaoiaran and PIO chief Marither Menia, visited the disaster site with Lerias and Lim.
Espiritu handed over five checks amounting to P2 million from the city government, P100,000 from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Valenzuela, P28,000 from the disaster fund drive and from the office of Councilor Ignacio Santiago.
Gatchalian quoted St. Bernard Treasurer Inuvencio Carvonelia as saying that Valenzuela’s donation was by far the biggest cash donation the municipality received from a single local government unit.
Lerias, in an conversation with Gatchalian, expressed her profound thanks on behalf of the people of Guinsaugon and of Southern Leyte in general.
"It is very encouraging to receive such show of support from other LGUs," Lerias was quoted as saying.