The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has mobilized its resources to aid those affected by devastating floods and landslides caused by heavy rains in Mindanao.
In a statement on Wednesday, Feb. 28, PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon highlighted the importance of immediate access to food and water in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
“Provisions for water and food are among the standard responses of the PRC. That is why our 37 food trucks, 29 water tankers, and other assets are strategically positioned across the country to enable us to immediately respond to people that will be affected by disasters,” Gordon said.
Since Jan. 29, the organization has distributed 71,240 hot meals to individuals and 441,900 liters of clean water to 6,830 families and 38,445 individuals.
Its response includes the deployment of several "Hot Meals on Wheels" within the first 24 hours of the disaster.
“The water tankers we dispatched came with water bladders and tap stands to enable us to extend our water assistance to more communities in need,” he added.
Furthermore, the humanitarian organization recognized the need for sanitation facilities.
Given this, PRC Secretary-General, Dr. Gwen Pang said that the PRC also constructed a bathing facility in Davao De Oro to help the affected residents' sanitation needs.
In addition, the PRC noted that it is providing comprehensive humanitarian assistance to affected families in Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Davao City.