Biliran thanks Albay, Valenzuela for typhoon aid

Naval, Biliran, Philippines - – Gov. Gerardo Espina of this province thanked Albay and Valenzuela City which donated P500,000 each for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda which ravaged Biliran, along with Leyte and Samar, last November.

Vice Gov. Harold Imperial, who headed Team Albay on their visit to the province last Jan. 10, turned over the check to Espina, representing Albay’s assistance to the typhoon victims.

Witnessing the event were Biliran Vice Gov. Eriberto Tubis Jr. and members of the provincial board.

Recently, Team Albay was honored by the Publishers Association of the Philippines with the Most Outstanding Disaster Response Award, and Gov. Joey Salceda as Filipino of the Year.

Last Nov. 23, Valenzuela first district Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian visited this capital town to meet with Espina and turned over the city’s P500,000 donation for the typhoon victims.

Biliran faced the onslaught of Yolanda last Nov. 8, with 112,528 residents or 70 percent of its population directly affected. The howler left 5,444 families homeless, and damage to properties, livelihood, and infrastructure was estimated at P740 million.

Espina said the generosity of Albay and Valenzuela City has given immeasurable hope to Biliranons whose lives were devastated by the typhoon in their quest to rebuild their lives and their future.