The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) provided "extensive support" to Bohol province after typhoon Odette devastated the area in December 2021.
Courtesy of Philippine Red Cross
In a statement on Saturday, May 6, PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gordon said that assistance efforts amounting to P86.2 million were distributed in the province, benefiting a total of 4,079 individuals. "As the leading organization during numerous disasters that have struck the province of Bohol in recent years, the PRC played a crucial role in providing aid and assistance to those affected by Typhoon Odette. Through its network of volunteers, staff, and partners, the PRC has worked tirelessly to provide vital services to the affected communities in Bohol," PRC said. The organization noted that its disaster response in Bohol focused on five areas of concern: water, sanitation, and hygiene; welfare services; disaster management services; health services; and shelter. Trucks containing items such as shelter tool kits, temporary sleeping kits, jerry cans, hygiene kits, hot meals, and food packs were also sent to the affected families, PRC said. The volunteers also set up child-friendly spaces and conducted psychosocial first aid to help the children cope with the stresses brought on by Odette. "To prevent health issues arising in the aftermath of the Odette, PRC provided free health consultations, medicines, face masks, and conducted health promotion activities to curb any disease outbreaks. As water sources were damaged, PRC deployed its water tankers and water bladders, distributing almost 3 Million Liters of water to 38,440 families," PRC added. Moreover, around P25.5 million worth of cash assistance was disbursed to more than 2,000 families, and 70 houses and 1,482 emergency shelters were constructed. "Our goal is to provide a sense of stability and security to those who have been displaced by the typhoon, and we are committed to working closely with local officials and community leaders to ensure that the project is carried out effectively and efficiently," said PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang. PRC said that it also assisted other provinces affected by the typhoon, resulting in a total of P398,275,063 worth of aid given.