ILOILO CITY, Philippines -- The brief visit of Manny Pacquiao made thousands of flood-ravaged Ilonggos forget about their damaged and still muddied homes and streets as they wildly cheered for the Filipino boxing icon.

Men, women, children and the elderly lined the streets screaming and cheering as they struggled to get a glimpse of Pacquiao and his wife Jinky who went to Jaro District here to distribute food packs to victims of typhoon Frank.

With shouts of "Manny" and "Idol," Ilonggos mobbed the boxing champion along his route.

The Pacquiao 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.

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

After knocking out David Diaz last June to win the World Boxing Council’s lightweight title, Pacquiao promised to donate P3 million from his earnings to the flood victims in Western Visayas.

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

Pacquiao said he entrusted his donation to the Catholic church, which would identify the victims and hand out the relief goods. He said he would 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 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.

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 (Village) Jereos in La Paz District.

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

"It's alright even if we don't get any food packs. Seeing Manny is enough for us. I want to kiss him," she said while giggling.

Nelia Saul, 47, from the village of 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 constituents.

"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," he said.

Pacquiao briefly visited residents of Oton town before going to Bacolod City in the afternoon.

In Bacolod City, cheering Negrenses welcomed Pacquiao as his motorcade drove through the city streets Thursday afternoon.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod (city council) Wednesday passed a unanimous resolution thanking Pacquiao for donating P1 million for the typhoon victims of the city.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said he thanked Pacquiao for responding to his request to help the city’s typhoon victims.

The mayor issued Executive Order No. 26 declaring Thursday "Emmanuel 'Manny' Pacquiao Day."

Pacquiao, an adopted son of Bacolod, was set to be conferred the "Bugal sang (Pride of) Bacolod" Award by Leonardia during a program in front of City Hall Thursday afternoon.