Under a blanket of rain and heavy clouds, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos made her way to Legarda Street, beneath the overpass linking it to Sta. Mesa, Manila, to check on fire-displaced residents soaked and shivering amid Tropical Cyclone Crising and the relentless southwest monsoon.
According to the First Lady, her “bossing,” referring to her husband, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., wanted to be here with the people but he was in the United States for a meeting with President Donald Trump.
On the scene was the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), which distributed “Charitimba” food packs.
Mrs. Marcos joined the distribution and assured the residents the government was there to help them.
“Galing ito sa asawa ko (This is from my husband),” she said as she handed out food packs.
PCSO Public Relations Officer Roselle de la Umbria said each food pack contained noodles, canned goods, three kilos of rice, ready-to-eat meals and coffee.
Recipients of the “Charitimba” expressed their gratitude to the PCSO and the First Lady, saying the assistance came at a time of great hardship following the third-alarm fire that razed their homes and the storm that battered their community.
“It’s a big deal for us because we had a fire and a flood at the same time, and our job is just washing cars,” Keuffel Narcelles said.
Another resident, Michelle Corpuz, shared how the assistance from the PCSO helped ease their worries amid the difficult conditions they’re currently facing.
“We are one of the victims of the fire, we were washed out, we have nothing left, not even our IDs, but we are grateful, we are safe, as well as our families. We are grateful that even though life is hard, there are people who are helping us,” she said.
The displaced residents have taken shelter in the nearest barangay hall.
Supporters lauded Mrs. Marcos for her actions even as the President is overseas.
“Whether it’s the boss or the First Lady, both have a heart for the country,” one user commented.
“Flood them with help,” another said.
Philippine National Police Chief General Nicolas Torre III and PCSO general manager Mel Robles joined the First Lady in Manila.