5K flood-hit residents in Olongapo receive aid from GMA Kapuso Foundation

A total of 5,000 residents in Olongapo City received aid from the GMA Kapuso Foundation after the severe flooding brought by the southwest monsoon or Habagat.

According to Mel Tiangco's report in "24 Oras" on Thursday, the foundation distributed food packs, diapers, and bread to families through its Operation Bayanihan.

The foundation also extended assistance to 750 Aeta families in Barangay Buhawen in San Marcelino, Zambales.

"If I were to illustrate it, we are like a funnel. Rain falls in the mountains, the water floods the town, and then it flows toward the sea. The problem is, when there is high tide, the water gets blocked at the sea," Olongapo City Chief of Public Affairs Anthony Bayarong said in Filipino.

Among those who received help Josie Dela Cruz, who was mourning the loss of her surrogate father when the flood hit. During his wake, the coffin had to raised three times to keep it above the rising water.

"The water was so high that we could only stand on the table. We were holding the wake while a storm was raging. It was really difficult and painful," Josie said in Filipino.

Her home, which is located near a river, was also flooded.

"When the river water rises, it flows in through the side and reaches above the table," Josie said.

Her husband is her only companion and source of support, but he has also suffered a stroke, leaving Josie to care for him as well.

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/MGP, GMA News