The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Sunday, Sept. 26, said the shipment of relief supplies it sent to Batanes arrived over the weekend, a few days after the island was pummeled by typhoon “Kiko” recently.
According to the PRC, the cargo vessel carrying the shipment of relief items for the affected residents of the typhoon-battered island arrived at the Basco Batanes Port on Sept. 25.
The shipment includes 1,000 pieces of tarpaulins to be used as temporary shelters for families with damaged houses, 1,000 pieces of Jerry cans or water containers, 500 sets of shelter tool kits, 1,500 flashlights, 263 solar bulbs, and 20 sets of family tents.
The cargo also contains 50 sacks of rice to support the local government’s food distribution, the humanitarian organization said in a statement.
On Sept. 11, the province was hit by “Kiko” that left Batanes with widespread destruction to infrastructures and livelihood, forcing the local government to declare a state of calamity.
The PRC Batanes Chapter reported 491 damaged houses while 1,679 were partially damaged with assessments still being conducted by volunteers and staff.
Following the onslaught of the typhoon, the Provincial Government of Batanes have formally asked the organization to extend assistance through a resolution approved last Sept. 22, it said.
In response to this, PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senator Richard Gordon assured the province of aid.
“The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is more than willing to extend assistance to the province of Batanes as we did in response to Super Typhoon Ferdie (Meranti) in 2016 and the magnitude 5.9 earthquake in 2019. Help is already on the way to Batanes,” he said.
But prior to the request, the PRC said it already made preparations to gather aid and supplies, and transport the goods to Batanes.
Aside from the relief items, the PRC Batanes Chapter will also receive a motorcycle, two portable generator units, a portable speaker, hard hats, face masks, and vitamins to support the typhoon operations in the province.
“Our service knows no bounds, not even this raging pandemic nor the waters we need to cross can stop the Philippine Red Cross from being always first, always ready, and always there to alleviate the suffering of our countrymen. I remain with you in the service of God and country,” Gordon said.