The Armed Forces of the Philippines (APF) and its partner-agencies turned over P950,000 worth of construction materials to residents of Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte on Saturday, April 30, to help residents rebuild their homes after the devastayion brought by Typhoon Odette.

The donated items came from the proceeds of the recently concluded “Heroes Adventure Challenge: Race to Rebuild Limasawa" organized by Theresa Mae Conson, of Smarties Apparel and Active Hub Events and Wellness. It sought to help the victims of Typhoon Odette in Limasawa Island by reconstructing their homes.

General Andres Centino, AFP Chief of Staff, led the turnover ceremony held at the Magallanes Port in Limasawa Island.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is grateful for our partners who are always ready to support the military in providing for our people whom we swore to always protect,” Centino said.

From the said amount, the AFP bought 1,741 pieces of GI sheet roofing; 1,198 pieces of lumber, and 16 boxes of nails that were donated to the typhoon victims through the Local Government of Limasawa.

The AFP and the event organizers also distributed “Bags of Hope” from various sponsors of the race. These included 9,600 liters of bottled water, 300 pieces of quin/centennial cross replicas, and eight boxes of energy drinks among others.

Limasawa bore the brunt of Odette last year and became one of the worst hit municipalities in Southern Leyte at the height of the typhoon.

Almost 90 percent of the houses in the island were destroyed while 1,849 families were displaced. The typhoon also damaged fishing boats, the only means of transportation to and from the island.