DAVAO CITY – Over 284 families or 1,704 individuals affected by flooding in the host communities of Hallmark Mining Corp. in two barangays in Mati City, Davao Oriental, received food assistance on Saturday, January 20, and Monday, January 22.
FAMILIES from host communities of Hallmark Mining Corp. affected by flood in Barangays Macambol and Cabuaya in Mati City receive relief assistance on January 20 and 22. (Hallmark Mining)
Heavy downpour from the shear line on January 18 and 19 resulted in flash flood and damaged access roads in Hallmark's three host communities, Sitio Magum and Catmonan in Barangay Macambol and Barangay Cabuaya.
Dr. Arvin L. Carlom, community relations manager of Hallmark Mining Corp., distributed food packs to flood victims in Barangays Macambol and Cabuaya with the support of the local government unit (LGU).
“The company wants to ensure that all affected families in its host communities are provided with their basic needs in this difficult time,” Carlom said, adding that the assistance will help them cope with the loss of their properties and the disruption of their livelihood.
Fifty-one affected families are in Purok 1-B, 79 in Purok 3 in Sitio Magum, and 52 in Sitio Catmonan, all in Barangay Macambol, and 102 in Barangay Cabuaya. Recipients received a food pack with rice, canned goods, noodles, milk, coffee, sugar, and biscuits.
Carlom said the company also gave hygiene kits composed of toothpaste, bath soap, and detergent bars to flood victims. He added that the impact of the disaster involved a disruption in access to food, leaving affected families unable to prepare their meals and other matters.
Hallmark Mining Corp. noted that the number of affected families inside the host communities may go up as the validation process continues, Carlom said, adding that their staff are coordinating with community leaders to confirm these.
Carlom thanked the Mati City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) for the support during the distribution activities. He said Hallmark recognized the challenges faced by the city government of Mati, particularly the CDRRMO.
Renato Balos, 53, a sitio leader and resident from Purok 1-B, thanked Hallmark Mining Corp. for immediately responding to host communities. He added that such assistance is a big help to them while coping with the disaster.
“Daghang salamat sa mga ayuda (Thank you very much for the food assistance), Hallmark Mining Corp.,” said Ellen Grace Marundan, a resident of Barangay Macambol, on social media.