State-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has released an initial ₱65.6 million in relief assistance to communities in Luzon and Metro Manila affected by Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay and the enhanced southwest monsoon, or “habagat.”

In a statement on Thursday, Aug. 13, Pagcor said the assistance consisted of 47,192 relief items, including 23,596 food packs worth ₱28.91 million and an equal number of non-food packs worth ₱36.69 million.

Pagcor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alejandro H. Tengco said the agency has been distributing relief packs to affected communities since Aug. 8 as part of its continuing disaster response efforts.

“Calamities cause immediate burden on families, particularly when basic needs become difficult to secure. Pagcor is committed to providing timely assistance to communities that need them most,” Tengco said.

Since last week, Pagcor’s relief operations team has been delivering assistance to areas affected by heavy rains and flooding.

The relief goods have either reached or are on their way to Bulacan, La Union, Baguio City, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Cavite, and Rizal, as well as parts of Pangasinan, Quezon, Batangas, Camarines Norte, Abra, Laguna, and Pampanga provinces.

In Metro Manila, assistance has also been allocated to Parañaque City and Marikina City.

Heavy rains associated with the tropical cyclones and “habagat” caused severe flooding in Luzon and Metro Manila, disrupting classes and government operations.

Tengco said Pagcor would continue coordinating with government partners to extend assistance to communities affected by calamities.

“We will continue to stand with our kababayans in times of need. Through our continuing disaster response efforts, Pagcor will do its part to help affected communities recover and get back on their feet,” Tengco added.