161st founding day celebration: Inopacan LGU calls for help in Leyte's rise from Yolanda

INOPACAN, LEYTE, Philippines — Mayor Sylvestre Lumarda led the municipal government in rallying for unified efforts in the rebuilding of Leyte province after its devastation from typhoon Yolanda.

Their call was announced during the celebration of the town's 161st Founding Day celebration last Dec. 6, which had the theme: "We are Inopacanons. We are Leyteños. We stand with our neighbors in their journey to recovery. Tindog Leyte (Rise up Leyte)."

Lumarda, who was with Vice Mayor Rogelio Pua Jr. and other town officials, released 161 balloons during the program outside the Municipal hall to symbolize the 161st founding day of Inopacan as a town. He told the crowd on the importance of sharing graces or blessings to other people.

The mayor, in his speech, said "cooperation and unity is very important in order to achieve a peaceful living," and that despite the calamity that hit Leyte, "Leyteños will be strong enough for their recovery."

Lumarda said he had led in the distribution of relief goods in his town and in other typhoon-ravaged areas. "There should be total cooperation for immediate recovery without any political color," he said. (FREEMAN)