Pacquiao: Mahal na mahal ko ang mahihirap
Tacloban City – Senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao, speaking before a packed crowd at the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas rally, delivered a heartfelt speech recalling his time with Typhoon Yolanda victims.
The boxing icon-turned-public servant shared how he once slept in a tent alongside survivors in the aftermath of the devastating storm in 2013.
“Tandaan n’yo, mahal na mahal ko ang mahihirap,” Pacquiao declared, drawing loud applause from the audience.
He emphasized that his personal struggles with poverty fuel his advocacy for the marginalized.
Pacquiao, who is running under the administration slate, assured the people of Leyte that he and his fellow candidates are committed to inclusive progress.
The former senator’s message resonated deeply in Tacloban, a city that bore the brunt of Yolanda’s devastation in November 2013.
Entire communities were flattened, thousands of lives were lost, and millions were left homeless. Amid the chaos, one of the first to respond was not just a political leader or an international aid organization—it was a boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao.
Even before official government relief efforts could fully mobilize, Pacquiao, who was then a sitting congressman, took it upon himself to organize and deliver much-needed relief to the hardest-hit areas, particularly in Leyte and Samar.
Using his own resources and rallying support from private donors, he dispatched trucks filled with food packs, water, and medical supplies.
More than just sending aid, Pacquiao personally traveled to the disaster zones, walking among the survivors, listening to their stories, and offering words of encouragement.
His presence was a symbol of hope, proving that even in the darkest times, Filipinos could count on one another.
Pacquiao’s quick response was not just an act of charity—it was a testament to his unwavering commitment to serve his country beyond the boxing ring.
His actions during the Yolanda relief operations solidified his image as a true people’s champion, not just in sports but in public service.
His return to the province serves as a reminder of his continued solidarity with the poor and vulnerable.
“At sa aming alyansa, kaming labing dalawa titiyakin namin na walang maiiwan,” he said, underscoring the coalition’s promise to uplift all Filipinos, especially those in need.
