pnoy-bitara-mongayaPresident Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Danny Bitara (left photo) and Noemi Mongaya (right photo) as they receive their Plaques of Special Citation from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano Soliman for their unwavering dedication and commitment during the humanitarian relief operations on the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. Also in the photo is Assistant Secretary Javier Jimenez.

Bitara and Mongaya, Municipal Links of Regions V and VIII respectively, survived a helicopter crash while on their way to a relief work for victims of ‘Yolanda’ in La Paz, Leyte on December 6.

The two awardees said that despite their near-death experience, they would willingly volunteer their time again to help those in need.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to (have been) able to serve the victims of (the) disaster,” they said.

“We are also grateful to the President and to the DSWD management for the full support they have given us and for this recognition,” they added.

The special citation was given during the DSWD 63rd Anniversary held today at the Central Office, Batasan Hills, Quezon City. ###