Stranded Lapu-Lapu contingent set to be back from Sorsogon

CEBU, Philippines — After five days of being stranded in the Bicol region due to typhoon Kristine, the remaining 86 members of Garbo sa Lapu-Lapu contingent are expected to be home today, October 26, says Lapu-Lapu City tourism officer Garry Lao.

Lao said the last batch of the Lapu-Lapu City contingent, which placed fourth runner-up in the recent Kasanggayahan Festival in Sorsogon, was scheduled to leave the Municipality of Gubat to Matnog, Sorsogon yesterday.

“Muuli na sila karon (yesterday), alas dos ilang biyaha and expected sila muabot diri og 1 pm ugma,” said Lao.

Aside from the 86 dancers, the city government of Lapu-Lapu also has one remaining service van that needs to be transported back to Cebu.

“Hopefully, makauli sila nga safe and sound,” he added.

The remaining contingent from Lapu-Lapu was supposed to leave Sorsogon last October 21 but got stranded because of the typhoon. Fortunately, the Oponganons were billeted away from the area where massive floods occurred.

“Kaluoy sa Ginoo, walay nangasakit except homesick ra gyud,” Lao said

Although they experienced some brownouts, they remain safe and secured at the municipality of Gubat. The local government unit of Gubat and the Provincial government of Sorsogon took care of their food and other needs.

 “We are just very happy that despite of what happened, our Lapu-Lapu contingent will be going home from Sorsogon after being stranded and we are thankful and grateful to the Province of Sorsogon and the municipality of Gubat for taking care of our contingent after being stranded for five days because of typhoon Kristine,” said Lao.

Meanwhile, President Bongbong Marcos reminded all government officials yesterday to consider the struggles of typhoon victims whenever they feel like giving up on the challenges brought by the disaster.

“Just remember there are people still in water right now, they are still flooded. They’re walking around in water up to their waist. They have no water supply, they have no food, they have no place to stay. So, if you think you are tired, think about what their condition is,” Marcos said.

“So, let’s keep that always in mind,” he added.

The president made the remarks during a situation briefing at the Malacañang Palace on the effects of the typhoon that inundated Bicol and nearby provinces.

Marcos also asked his cabinet members and officials of all relevant government agencies to keep him updated.

“And if not, actually amongst yourself, if you can solve it, let’s do it that way as quickly as possible,” the president said.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian disclosed that they have released 150,752 family food packs to typhoon victims, along with 3,231 non-food items, with a total value of P111,133,601.54. The national stockpile has a total of 1,905,700 family food packs worth P1,439,033,413.58. — FPL (CEBU NEWS)