In the midst of crisis, hope can still be found in modern heroes willing to extend help to those in need.
The Pangasinan State University President, Dr. Elbert M. Galas, along with university officials lit a light of hope to a family in Alaminos City, Pangasinan after the devastating effect of incessant rains caused by tropical depression “Crising”, “Dante” and “Emong” in July.
As PSU reached the affected locals of the city through a relief operation on August 12, 2025, university directors along with President Galas and Vice President Razeale G. Resultay, met one of the most challenged families after the typhoon effect.
PSU team found ‘Family Biguas’, residents of Brgy. San Roque in the City. The situation of the damaged home was more than enough to tell the story of the devastating impact of the typhoon.
Reynaldo Biguas, a 58-year-old construction worker and head of the family, said that during the onslaught of the typhoon, they used improvised lightweight materials found inside their home to serve as shelter.
“Pagkatapos po ng bagyo, pinagtagpi-tagpi lang po namin yung mga tolda at tarpaulin para po may masilungan. Yung isang anak ko na may pamilya na nag evacute muna sa development center ng Brgy. [After the typhoon, we just pieced together tarps and tents to have something to shelter us. One of my children, who already has a family, evacuated to the barangay’s development center.]” Biguas stated.
Through PSU’s “Adopt-a-Family” Project under the Extension Services Office, the Biguas family will receive a cash donation to help cover their housing needs. A total of ₱50,000 from the project, along with an additional ₱20,000 from President Galas, will be granted.
“Now more than ever, our extension services are needed. Let us step out of our offices and you will see our fellow countrymen who are truly in need of immediate support. Let us help them,” the university president said.
The aftermath of the incessant rains brought by tropical depressions in July left Alaminos City, Pangasinan, devastated, with the city declared ‘under of state of calamity,’.
PSU, along with the City Government of Alaminos led by Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste who was represented by Administrative Officer Emielou Gellido along with City Social Welfare Officer Elizabeth A. Radoc led the visit.
Personnel from the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer for Administration, led by Dr. Ian D. Evangelista; Acting HRMD Officer Ms. Shiela Marie Malicdem with HRMDO unit heads; and officials from the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension and Innovation, led by Dr. Razeale Resultay, Director Lorena B. Echalar, and PRIO Director Ms. Venus May H. Sarmiento, together with university and PSU Alaminos staff, took part in the event.
