"We’re deeply saddened by his death because he was such a great helper and friend and we’ve always felt he was a Kapampangan at heart," said businessman Levy Laus, chairman of the Save San Fernando Foundation Inc., which spearheaded a multisectoral effort to stop lahar flow in this city.
Laus said Punongbayan not only extended technical help but also "gave us hope" during the lahar crisis that seriously threatened San Fernando and other parts of Pampanga.
Laus said the late Phivolcs chief was a frequent guest at the CarWorid corporate headquarters where he gave briefings, updates and recommendations on the lahar problem.
"He also advised us on our advocacy and how we should present our case to the government," Laus said.
Rep. Rey Aquino also expressed sadness and grief over Punongbayan’s death, saying the former top government volcanologist was instrumental in helping San Fernando survive the lahar threat.
Aquino, who was the mayor of San Fernando at that time, said Fernandinos and Kapampangans owe Punongbayan much for his dedication and support for their anti-lahar campaign and projects.
"Punongbayan deserves the collective gratitude of the Kapampangans for helping us through the lahar crisis," he said.
City Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, a congressman of the province’s third district during the lahar crisis, said Punongbayan’s death was a great loss to the country.
"Pampanga and its people certainly join the nation in mourning his death and that of the others who perished in that tragic helicopter crash," he said.
Rodriguez said Punongbayan’s timely lahar warnings had saved lives. "My close working relationship with him during those difficult days for our province and capital town makes the feeling of loss heavier," he said.
Vice Gov. Joseller Guiao, whose late father, former governor Bren Guiao, worked closely with Punongbayan following the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, said the death of the eminent volcanologist has deprived the country of a highly valuable asset.
Guiao said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will pass a resolution expressing the province’s sympathies for Punongbayan’s death and appreciation for his vital role in helping save Pampanga from lahar devastation.