Philippine ring icon Manny Pacquiao yesterday said the World Bank has pledged to provide financial assistance to the typhoon victims in the country in response to his request.

Pacquiao said that while he was still in the United States, he appealed to the foundations who want to help the typhoon victims in the Philippines for assistance. He said he learned about the typhoon while he was abroad so he prayed that the victims would survive, especially the passengers of the Sulpicio Lines vessel.

Pacquiao said the World Bank did not specify an amount, but surely, Bacolod will get a portion of it, as well as, those hardest hit like Iloilo, Aklan and Romblon. He also said he hopes there will be more who will extend help to the typhoon victims, he said.

The boxing champ was welcomed by thousands of Bacoleños during a 4-hour motorcade around Bacolod City yesterday. He was earlier met by schoolchildren, friends and public officials at the old Bacolod Airport upon his arrival from Iloilo.

Pacquiao was handed a plaque and a MassKara mask as token by Mayor Evelio Leonardia during a program at City Hall yesterday afternoon.

Secretary to the Mayor, Goldwyn Nifras, read Executive Order 27, conferring on Pacquiao the title “Bugal sang (Pride of) Bacolod.”

Certificates of appreciation were also given to Jinkee Pacquiao, and other members of his party like Rex “Wakee” Salud, Buboy Fernandez, Rey Golingan, Lito Camo and Cris Aquino.

BIGGER CROWD

Pacquiao thanked the city officials and people of Bacolod for honoring him, saying that is why he has set aside a bigger budget for the typhoon victims of the city. He also noted that the crowd during the motorcade yesterday was much bigger than any crowd he ever saw, even compared to his last motorcade in Bacolod two years ago.

Pacquiao has donated P1 million for Bacolod, P1.5 million for Iloilo and P500,000 for Aklan typhoon victims.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao will switch on and inaugurate the 6th traffic light installed in Bacolod under the Leonardia administration at the Hilado-Burgos streets at 1:30 p.m. today. The Leonardia administration had doubled the number of traffic lights in the city which now total 12.

After the ceremonies, Leonardia will give Pacquiao a tour of the new government center.

Leonardia, Pacquiao and party will distribute assistance to typhoon victims of Barangays Tangub and Bago today. They will also distribute assistance at the Bays Center.

‘LIKE A MAGNET’

Pacquiao, meanwhile, said Leonardia will still hold his championship belt in his next fight because the mayor is like a magnet. At first he only had one belt, then it became two and now he has four, he said.

“If not for God and all of you, I would not be what I am now. My success and all I have gained all came from God,” Pacquiao said.  He said he does not consider himself already famous or successful but equal to everyone, adding that “We need to help each other.”

Asked if he will endorse Leonardia in 2010, Pacquiao said everybody knows that he has always been supportive of the mayor, even without politics. “It’s too early to talk about politics since 2010 is still far,” he said.

POLITICAL PLANS

Asked if he has plans to run for governor of General Santos in 2010, Pacquaio said there is a big possibility. “Even if I lost in the last elections, the people saw how I was able to help them and bring improvements to my province, using my own money. How much more If I’m in the government?” he said.

Pacquiao lamented that there are many politicians who do not have a sincere desire to help the people. If elected, he said he does not want to steal from the government because the people are already suffering.

“I am now happy with the millions (dollars) God has given me. I have already acquired fame and fortune and almost everything I need so all I’m asking Him is to use me to help others, especially those who are less fortunate, because that is where I came from,” he said.

Asked what qualities he has that others don’t have, Pacquiao said he has confidence, compared to other boxers since he has strong faith in God, whom he considers his number one weapon in boxing.

VICTIMS CHEER MANNY

Meanwhile, even just for a few hours, thousands of flood-ravaged Ilonggos forgot about their still muddied homes and streets or the damage to their houses as they wildly cheered for Pacquiao.

Men, women, children and the elderly lined up the streets, screamed and cheered as they struggled to get a glimpse of Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee who went to Jaro District in Iloilo City to distribute food packs to victims of typhoon “Frank.”

With shouts of “Manny” and “Idol,” the Ilonggos mobbed the boxing champion along his party's route.

The couple and their party arrived at the Iloilo airport in Cabatuan town around 7:30 a.m and proceeded to the residence of Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo where they had breakfast with the prelate and Iloilo City officials led by Mayor Jerry Treñas.

FOOD PACKS DISTRIBUTED

They then proceeded to the Jaro Cathedral where they attended Mass before distributing around 500 food packs to flood victims, assisted by Treñas and members of the Catholic Women's League.

Pacquiao had earlier promised to donate P3 million from his earnings after knocking out David Diaz last month to the flood victims in Western Visayas.

He gave P1.5 million to victims in Iloilo, part of which was spent on food packs, Treñas said. Another P1 million will be given to victims in Bacolod and the remaining amount to other areas.

The boxing champion said he has entrusted his assistance to the Church here to identify the victims and hand out the help. He said he will also visit other areas affected by the typhoon.

“I thank the people here for their continued support for me. In my own small way, I would like to extend my help to them. Please don't for forget to pray so that you can surpass this crisis,” Pacquiao said in an interview.

Flood victims came in droves for the food assistance. They climbed on walls and fences at the Jaro Cathedral compound, cheering and clapping.

EVEN WITHOUT FOODPACKS

But most said they would have come anyway to see Pacquiao even without the food packs.

“I just came here to see my idol and I'm so happy I got near him,” said Guzman Alvarez, 46, from Barangay  Jereos in La Paz District.

Elizabeth Sombise, 44, whose house in Barangay Balabago in Jaro was damaged by the flooding, said she spent P16 for jeepney fare just to see Pacquiao.

“It is all right even if we don't get any food packs. Seeing Manny is enough for us. I want to kiss him,” she said, giggling.

Nelia Saul, 47, of Barangay Desamparados in Jaro District said she lost her house during the typhoon. “But I'm happy that he remembered us and because he is kind to the poor,” she said.

Treñas said Pacquiao's visit was a big help to his townmates.

“We thank him for remembering Iloilo at a time when we need help most. He has also boosted the morale of Ilonggos who are struggling to stand on their feet again,” Treñas said.

Pacquiao briefly visited residents of Oton town before leaving for Bacolod City in the afternoon.*CGS/NPB

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