Families and individuals severely-affected by the recent typhoons in Catanduanes are expected to receive more aid after the M/V PRC Amazing Grace of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has finally reached the island.

The “Amazing Grace” is the country’s only humanitarian vessel. It was used by the PRC to ensure the continued delivery of assistance to families in Catanduanes who were badly affected by typhoons “Rolly” and “Ulysses.”

“M/V PRC Amazing Grace is instrumental in our efforts to help our kababayans in Catanduanes,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard Gordon during the send-off ceremonies in Subic. “To have all these relief efforts be delivered quicker ensures that our kababayan can also recover the soonest,” he added.

The “Amazing Grace” set sail on Nov. 25 and has successfully reached the island with the much-needed relief and fleet support.

PRC said the vessel arrived bringing thousands of non-food items such as hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, 10-liter and 20-liter jerry cans and galvanized iron sheets to be used for roofing repair which are- part of PRC’s recovery efforts for those whose homes suffered damages due to the typhoons.

“More than the relief, we bring hope and dignity to the people so that they could get back on their feet. We are here to help them rebuild their lives,’’ Gordon said.

Gordon said the PRC’s efforts are aimed at "quickly putting roofs above the heads of affected families."

“Kung ikaw ay binagyo at nawalan ng bahay, sisiguruhin mong magkakaroon agad ng masisilungan ang pamilya mo. Kaya tutulungan namin silang makabangon at maiangat ang dignidad nila (If you were affected by the typhoon and lost your home, the first thing that you would want is to provide shelter to your family. That is why we’re trying to help them stand and uplift their dignity),” he added.

PRC said that the “Amazing Grace” also arrived bringing three additional vehicles - a Willy jeep, a Toyota Hilux, and a minivan to aid in the operations and relief distributions in Catanduanes and other affected areas in the Bicol Region.

Merlina Hernando-Malipot & Mario Casayuran

PRC's ‘Amazing Grace’ brings aid to typhoon-ravaged Catanduanes