The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said on Monday, Jan. 3 that it distributed a multi-purpose cash grant to 300 families in Bohol to help them recover from the damages brought by Typhoon Odette.
In a statement, PRC said it headed to the Municipality of Ubay, Bohol to distribute P3,500 worth of cash assistance to families heavily affected by the typhoon. The organization said that it also set up a first aid station and had an ambulance on standby to conduct medical consultations, mask distribution, blood pressure monitoring, and health promotions at Poblacion, Ubay, Bohol.
“Patuloy ang Philippine Red Cross sa paghahatid ng tulong sa mga naapektuhan ng bagyong Odette. Hatid namin ay pag-asa sa bagong taon. Narito kami hanggang makabangon kayo at makatayo sa inyong mga paa (PRC continues to provide assistance to those affected by 'Odette'. We bring hope for the new year. We're here until everyone recovers and can stand on their own two feet),” PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon said.
Meanwhile, its payloaders deployed to conduct clearing operations have cleared out to date around 800 cubic meters of debris in the Municipality of Libagon, Southern Leyte.
PRC Southern Leyte Chapter started the year with more commitment of service to humanity through visiting four barangays in Caubang, Son-ok 1 and 2 ang Manglit, Pintuyan. PRC Southern Leyte chapter said it also distributed 464 shelter tool kits with tarpaulins plus psychosocial support to the affected families.
PRC said that through Gordon's leadership, it was able to acquire seven payloaders to provide immediate assistance in clearing operations. The payloaders were commonly used after a disaster to clear roads of debris to make relief more accessible. Payloaders are also used to assist farmers in desilting farmlands affected by different typhoons.
On the other hand, PRC distributed hot meals to more than 700 evacuees in Bais Evacuation Center in Bais City, Negros Oriental, one of the hardest hit towns following the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.
"No matter what the circumstances are, we will always be the first responders whenever a disaster or emergency strikes as we continue with our mission to send hope, especially to the most vulnerable," Gordon said.
Recently, PRC Negros Oriental chapter also distributed food items to 158 individuals at Bala-as Manjuyod, hygiene promotion to 250 persons, and implemented water distribution through PRC water tankers in Bala-as Manjuyod and Tinaogan.
With the province currently under the state of calamity, volunteers and staff also aim to provide 500 sets of food Items in the Mabinay Borders and deploy a water tanker in Bindoy to reach out to more affected barangays.