(04.10.09) Amy Ramiro Calumpang, UCCP Ecumenical Relations and Partnership Officer, reports that the UCCP distributed on Saturday, 3 October 460 packs of foodstuffs to UCCP Bangkal and UCCP San Pablo both in Pampanga province. The congregations visited were well-organised.

Consultations regarding the general direction of rehabilitation work have started with affected congregations, even as a survey of affected areas continues.

Meanwhile, floodwaters continue to rise in some areas in Metro Manila and Calabarzon as typhoon »Pepeng« pummelled northeastern Luzon Saturday afternoon, radio dzBB reported.  It said floods have not subsided in the cities of Pateros, Muntinlupa, and Taguig, in Taytay town in Rizal province, and in the towns of Biñan and San Pedro in Laguna province. People claim these areas continue to be submerged in water because of the rise in the water level in Laguna de Bay, dzBB said.The lake reached its critical level after tropical storm »Ondoy« brought record-breaking rainfall in the mega Manila area last week.  Authorities said that the lake was set to break its 90-year record, threatening to submerge more areas in Metro Manila and several nearby provinces in flooding.

Initial reports show that in Cagayan, at least 6,036 people in 39 barangays (villages) were affected, while Philippine Peso 20.33 million (approx. Euro 300,000) worth of agricultural produce were destroyed after Typhoon Pepeng/Parma made landfall this evening.