Evacuees in QC receive aid from GMA Kapuso Foundation, pet food for fur babies

Evacuees in Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City received assistance from the GMA Kapuso Foundation amid the severe flooding caused by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat.

According to “24 Oras” on Wednesday, among those affected was the family of Mary Joy Cortez, who evacuated with her three dogs and two cats, whom she considers part of her family.

“Some of our belongings, we really had to leave behind because, of course, I will prioritize my children and my pets. Belongings can be replaced,” Cortez said in Filipino.

Fortunately, a pet evacuation center was also established in the area, providing temporary shelter to 39 animals belonging to evacuee families.

“They have their own tent and cages. Even the city veterinarian is here," Brgy. Bagong Silangan Captain Wilfredo Cara said.

More than 400 families have yet to return to their homes after the San Mateo River overflowed, causing widespread flooding in the area.

Among them is the family of Elena Valderama, who had to go back and forth to the evacuation center in August alone.

“We cannot make a living. We sell vegetables, but now we have no vegetables to sell because they were washed away,” Valderama said.

Through its Operation Bayanihan project, the GMA Kapuso Foundation visited the evacuation center to distribute food packs to the affected families.

The foundation also provided dog and cat food for those with pets, including Cortez.

“Thank you very much to GMA Kapuso. If they happen to be like us, who were affected by the flood and have pets, it would be better if their dogs know how to swim, so they can let them go,” Cortez said.

The GMA Kapuso Foundation also extended assistance to flood-affected residents in Paniqui, Tarlac.

For those who wish to support GMA Kapuso Foundation projects, donations may be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, Shopee, and Palawan Pay. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News