Mula sa Puso brings relief to Zambales families

Rain still hung over Cabangan, Zambales, on Sept. 6, but in Barangay Mabanglit, the weather did little to dampen a relief effort built around a simple promise: help should arrive when it is needed most.

Under the banner “Mula sa Puso, Para sa Bayan,” Capt. Relly Jose Jr., through the Dugong Marino OFW Foundation and the GMM Group of Companies, led the distribution of relief goods to more than 1,000 households affected by flooding in the community.

The outreach came as Cabangan and other parts of Zambales continued to contend with heavy monsoon rains, adding urgency to an operation centered not on ceremony, but on getting essential assistance into the hands of families.

Jose, a businessman and longtime maritime industry executive who founded the Dugong Marino OFW Foundation, was joined by members of his family, lawyer Jun Pangan, Verlyn Apostol Abdon, volunteers, staff, donors, and local community partners.

Barangay officials, including Barangay Captain Joeewy Mangindin, also helped coordinate the effort on the ground, where residents braved the rain to receive food and other relief supplies.

For Jose, the outreach reflected a broader philosophy that has shaped the foundation’s community initiatives.

“This initiative reflects our continuing commitment: ‘Mula sa Puso, Para sa Bayan,’” Jose said, underscoring an approach rooted in compassion, shared responsibility, and direct service.

The scale of the distribution gave that message a tangible dimension, with more than 1,000 families receiving assistance amid the lingering effects of the flooding.

Yet beyond the numbers, much of the day’s character came from the volunteers who carried supplies, assisted residents, and kept the operation moving despite the wet conditions.

“To all volunteers, staff, donors, and our beloved community who gave their time, effort, and prayers — MARAMING MARAMING SALAMAT PO!” Jose said.

“Because of you, we were able to bring help, hope, and smiles to more than 1,000 families,” he added.

Among the quieter images from the outreach was Jose meeting senior citizens and flood-affected residents, moments that brought the scale of the disaster down to the level of individual lives and households.

“This is proof that when we join hands, we rise together,” Jose said.

The relief effort ultimately carried its message beyond the supplies handed out that day, showing how private groups, volunteers, local leaders, and residents can turn collective goodwill into practical help when communities are under strain.

For families in Barangay Mabanglit, “Mula sa Puso, Para sa Bayan” was more than a slogan in the rain — it became assistance delivered by hand.