The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has conducted relief operations to regions affected by Typhoon “Odette” as part of its “bayanihan” efforts this holiday season.
“Christmas doesn’t just happen in one day. Every day is an opportunity for us to help our fellowmen especially those in need like the victims of this unfortunate disaster,” PEZA Director General Ching Plaza said in a statement on Monday, Dec. 27.
According to Plaza, the PEZA Board has approved last Dec. 21 a total of P1 million fund to be allocated to assist the victims of the typhoon, particularly those in the most ravaged areas such including Cebu, Bohol, Caraga, Dinagat, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Siargao, Palawan, Southern Leyte, and Negros Occidental.
As the new Wing Commander of the 1st Air Force Wing Reserve, Plaza partnered with the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to roll out the relief operations that started Sunday, Dec. 26.
PEZA Reservists have also been commissioned to volunteer in the repacking, distribution, logistics, security, and management work.
Meanwhile, PEZA is also seeking help from its locator companies who wishes to extend aid through this operation.
“While it is unfortunate that this happened to our countrymen amidst the rise of the Omicron COVID-19 variant and nearing the end of the year, we must maintain a positive outlook and unrelenting hope as we end this year,” Plaza said.
“Let us do our best to help those in need and continue performing our sworn mandate to achieve our goal. We must make opportunities out of these crises and, hand-in-hand, continue to make it happen in the Philippines,” she added.