As part of its intensified relief efforts, top officials of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) personally visited vulnerable communities affected by the Severe Tropical Storm in Camarines Sur and Albay on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard “Dick” Gordon and Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang led the visit to assess and monitor the relief and disaster response efforts.
“Personal kaming nagtungo sa mga probinsyang ito para maipadama ang pagkalinga at pagmamahal ng Red Cross sa ating mga kababayang lubhang naapektuhan ng nagdaang Bagyong Kristine (We personally visited these provinces to show the care and love of the Red Cross to our fellow countrymen who were greatly affected by the recent Typhoon Kristine),” Gordon said.
He noted that the PRC also sent assets such as water tankers, food trucks, amphibious vehicles, and 6x6 rescue trucks to deliver various assistance and services.
“Kalunos-lunos man ang ating naging karanasan, nandito kami para magbigay pag-asa at samahan kayong bumangon (Though our experience has been tragic, we are here to provide hope and help you rise again),” Gordon added.
Relief efforts and assistance
The PRC provided hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and jerry cans to 399 families, benefiting a total of 1,995 individuals in Naga City, Camarines Sur.
In addition, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) supplied hot meals and clean water to the affected residents.
A health caravan was organized, during which beneficiaries received medicines and Doxycycline capsules for the prevention of leptospirosis.
Following their efforts in Naga, the PRC proceeded to Brgy. Malitbog in Minalabac, Camarines Sur, where they distributed packed meals, kitchen sets, and jerry cans to 400 families, benefiting a total of 2,500 individuals.
The PRC also traveled to Brgy. Zone 4 in Libon, Albay, to continue its relief efforts. They provided food packs and jerry cans to 487 families, benefiting 2,420 individuals.
Additionally, the PRC provided hot meals and organized a health caravan, where residents received free medicines, participated in health promotion sessions, and accessed information, education, and communication (IEC) materials.
Continuing their efforts in Albay, the PRC traveled to Brgy. Buga in Libon, where they distributed kitchen sets and jerry cans to 681 households. They also supplied potable water to the affected residents.
Appeal for donations
With the ongoing relief efforts, the PRC reiterated its appeal for donations.
“We are continuously appealing to our donors and sponsors because our work is not yet over,” Pang said, noting that the PRC “has been there for our kababayans since day one.”
The PRC’s Typhoon “Kristine” relief and recovery efforts in CamSur and Albay were made possible through the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Australian Embassy, the Canadian Red Cross, and New Zealand Aid.
As of Oct. 30, the PRC served over 31,000 people in 49 affected provinces in the country under its STS Kristine operations.