The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has distributed tons of relief goods in the hope of giving joy to Filipinos affected by super Typhoon "Odette" for the Holiday season.
The PCG's BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) for instance transported relief supplies to the Coast Guard District Central Visayas intended for the residents of Cebu City. The goods were unloaded last Friday, Dec. 24.
The items delivered were two sacks of 50-kg rice, 10 boxes of noodles, five crates of one-liter mineral water, 10 boxes of 500-ml water, three boxes sardines, 10 pcs mattings and two boxes of meatloaf.
Another vessel, on the other hand, brought supplies to Bohol, which included 35 sacks of 25-kg rice, 550 sacks of 5-kg rice, 50 boxes of noodles, 15 crates of one-liter mineral water, 15 boxes 500-ml water, 220 pcs of disaster kits, seven boxes of sardines, 40 pieces of mattings, one box of footwear, five boxes and nine sacks of assorted clothes.
The supplies were received by Dr. Anthony Damalerio of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Bohol.
A day after Christmas, the PCG’s District Central Visayas has received additional relief supplies from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and several humanitarian organizations through the assistance of BRP Corregidor (AE-891).
Donated were canned goods, instant noodles, hygiene kits, and clean clothes for the affected families.
The PCG Auxiliary District Central Visayas also donated 20 bundles of one-liter purified drinking water to support the PCG's ongoing relief operations.
Meanwhile, the PCG’s District Northern Mindanao has deployed 30 personnel to assist in the search and rescue (SAR) and disaster relief operations in the affected communities in Siargao Island and Surigao City.
PCG District Northern Mindanao Commander, CG Captain Geronimo Tuvilla said they provided 10 mountain bikes and six land assets to render assistance and transport donations, composed of food packs, hygiene kits, generator sets, dog foods, potable drinking water, and toys for children.
The deployed PCG personnel were also tasked to actively coordinate with the local government units (LGU), as well as with Coast Guard stations and sub-stations in the said areas for further support.
"Bicycle is the most efficient mode of transport in disaster-stricken areas and we believe this is the key to our operation due to limited resources in Siargao Island and Surigao City,” said Tuvilla.
“This is our calling and this is what we are sworn to do. We need to sacrifice in order to save others. This challenging times activates the ‘bayanihan spirit’ within us. No Filipino family will be left behind. Sama-sama tayong babangon. Tabang para sa Mindanao,” he added.