The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has swiftly rolled out extensive relief and medical assistance for families affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that jolted Cebu and nearby provinces last week.
The PCSO said that within hours after the tremor, it mobilized its regional and branch offices and tapped its Authorized Agent Corporations (AACs) to deliver food packs, hygiene kits, and other essential supplies to the hardest-hit communities.
Through its Bayanihan Aid Caravan, the agency said it distributed “ChariTimba” relief packs and evacuation kits to thousands of families across northern Cebu, including Bogo City, San Remigio, Medellin, Borbon, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Daanbantayan, Bantayan, Santa Fe, and Madridejos.
As such, the PCSO said it turned over 11 new ambulances or patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to various local government units in Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Naga City, Alegria, Asturias, Consolacion, Madridejos, Poro, San Francisco, Tabogon, and Tuburan.
For his part, PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles commended field personnel and partner corporations for their determination to reach affected communities despite difficult conditions.
“Every minute counted after the quake. Our presence mattered most in those crucial moments,” Robles said.
“Seeing our teams and partners traverse land, air, and sea to reach affected communities was a reaffirmation that public service is not only our duty—it is our calling.”
In a statement released by the PCSO, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro lauded the agency’s decisive action and unwavering commitment to public service, noting that it was among the first national institutions to respond to the crisis.
“We are deeply grateful to PCSO for your rapid response and for reaching out to help so quickly when Cebu needed it most,” Baricuatro said, underscoring the urgency of the aid.
“The additional patient transport vehicles will be a critical resource, enabling faster medical responses for remote communities,” she added.