MANILA, Philippines - San Juan City Mayor Joseph Victor Ejercito led at least 200 City Hall employees and government workers in conducting clearing operations in Cainta, in Rizal, one of the hardest hit by typhoon Ondoy last Sept. 26.
“We only want to show that an LGU (local government unit) can help another LGU. This way it wlll hasten the recovery and help them get back on their feet faster,” Ejercito said.
Cainta Mayor Ramon Ilagan said he met Ejercito at a restaurant in Greenhills last week and sought his assistance for a contractor who could help them haul tons of garbage brought by typhoon Ondoy in his municipality.
Ejercito offered to help in the clearing operations of his town.
Accompanied by 60 employees from different departments in the city government – 30 policemen, 20 firemen, 45 solid waste, 25 jail personnel, and 20 traffic enforcers, Ejercito led a convoy going to the municipality.
Ejercito also brought with him 10 dump trucks, two water tankers, a payloader, rescue truck and an ambulance.
The San Juan City mayor and his companions cleaned up Barangay San Isidro, one of the biggest barangays of Cainta town in terms of land area.
On Oct. 17, San Juan local government also assisted the town of Taytay which was also damaged by typhoon Ondoy.
Both town Mayors Ilagan and Joric Gacula, were thankful of the assistance extended to them by Ejercito.
“The most important thing is the initiative. We are very happy with the sharing of resources to us. We are sure cleaning operations will be completed by Sunday with the help of the local government of San Juan City,” Ilagan said.