SLB Disaster Response

The University of Pangasinan was an evacuation center during typhoon Pepeng's comeback to the Philippines and hit Pangasinan and adjacent provinces on Oct. 8. As the volumes of rain and inflow to San Roque dam could not be contained, the release of water from the dam went on continuously and increased in volume that the rivers cannot hold and dikes cannot control. The tremendous overflow of water in a span of a few hours has caused widespread flooding not experienced ever by the entire province, leaving all preparations for disaster in shambles among a panic-stricken officials and desperate populace that were either trapped in houses, rooftops or high grounds. Plea for rescue and food was broadcasted from cell phones that were fading since there was no electricity in places that were flooded from chest-deep to rooftop levels. Dagupan City was not spared of massive flooding. The entire city woke up to a Friday that was knee-high with floodwaters which rose so fast there was no time to put anything beyond the reach of the rising flood. All belongings including food were underwater. Eventually, food became scarce, drinking water was non existent.

On Oct. 10, Chito Salazar called up to inform University of Pangasinan community that relief food packs will be delivered the following day. One thousand four hundred (1400) relief packs arrived on Oct 11 noons. The relief goods were transferred directly to a dump truck which was use as the delivery vehicle for the relief goods in selected barangays of Dagupan, San Fabian, Mangaldan and Calasiao. The barangays were the relief packs were directly handed to the residents are: Amado-Tapuac, Malued, Tambac, Manguin barangays of Dagupan city: San Miguel, Banaoang of Calasiao; Nibaliw, Sagud baley, Tocok of San Fabian and Tebag of Mangaldan. All in all, the relief goods were given to 4 municipalities in 10 barangays.

A number of relief goods were set aside for distribution to the evacuees in University of Pangasinan gym and some were given to the badly affected employees and faculty members of University of Pangasinan on Oct 13. Recipients of the relief goods donated by Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan were very happy that the goods they received were large in quantity and very good in quality. We, in University of Pangasinan cannot thank the donors enough for the quick response to give aid and to give the best there is to give. We hope to maintain the bond that we established in the spirit of serving others to the best that we can. Bro. Noel and Love Dorero led the group to the near impassable roads to reach us at the time we needed relief from the disaster brought about by Pepeng.