Tuguegarao workers scrap party to help flood-hit folk

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – Tuguegarao City employees cancelled their traditional Christmas party as residents were still reeling from floods spawned by rains during the past weeks.

Mayor Delfin Ting said the decision by city officials and employees to eventually scrap the yearly event was only timely and proper in the wake of the sufferings faced by their constituents as a result of the prolonged floods.

“We would rather give the amount to the needy than to use it for our own benefit; anyway, our employees have received their incentives and bonuses already,” Ting said.

Heavy rains brought by the northeast monsoon have been pouring over the country’s northeastern Luzon, triggering floods in northern Isabela and central Cagayan, including Tuguegarao City, where several villages remain flooded.