HANNEMANN HAND DELIVERS RELIEF SUPPLIES

TO PHILIPPINE FLOOD SURVIVORS

(Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009)—Mayor Mufi Hannemann and members of his senior staff and cabinet toured the floodway that was ravaged by the latest typhoons in Pasig City, Metro Manila, on Saturday, November 7, 2009.  Former Mayor Soledad Eusebio, the mother of the City’s current Mayor Bobby Esuebio, and members of the Pasig City Council accompanied Hannemann.  On the tour, Eusebio pointed out that the latest calamity was the worst natural disaster to ever hit the area.  Some 1400 families had to be evacuated and relocated in September. 

The Mayor addressed flood survivors at the municipality’s Multi Purpose Hall where he expressed his deepest empathy for their situation.  “This is just a small way of trying to help you. Rest assured that you have our ongoing support, contributions and prayers,” conveyed Hannemann.

Hundreds of families turned out to receive relief supplies that were hand delivered by Hannemann, which consisted of food, coffee, sugar, soap and other basic necessities.  The mayor’s cabinet members of Filipino ancestry who assisted in the distribution, included Geoffrey Cudiamat, Manny Lanuevo, Baybee Hufana-Ablan, Joyce Oliveira and Romeo Garcia.  The Mayor and his team donated from their personal funds, along with members of the Hawaii Filipino community, to aid citizens displaced by the latest disaster.

After Saturday’s Pasig ceremony, Hannemann left for Laoag City to meet with

Gov. Michael Marcos Keon and other mayors of the Ilocos Region.  Hannemann is in the Philippines to attend The Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii’s 21^st Annual Trade Mission.  Entrepreneurs from both countries develop investment ideas and learn about business opportunities.  Also participating in the Trade Mission are Councilman Nestor Garcia and state Rep. Joey Manahan.

City officials accompanying the mayor to the Philippines pay their own expenses and take vacation time.  The mayor’s travel expenses are paid for by the Office of Economic Development.

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Media contact: Bill Brennan, Mayor’s Office, 768-6928