MANDALUYONG CITY -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) provided the Maring-affected communities with food and non-food relief assistance through the help of the PRC chapters and Partner National Societies. PRC assisted thousands of families since Severe Tropical Storm Maring made landfall last October 11, 2021.

STS Maring affected 1,920 barangays in 127 municipalities located in 10 provinces, helping a total of 100,241 families or 400,401 individuals. STS Maring caused 41 deaths in Northern Luzon and damaged 6,360 houses, placing the affected provinces under a state of calamity.

PRC Chairman and CEO Sen. Dick Gordon immediately mobilized and deployed its assets to support the provinces in rescue and relief operations. PRC distributed basic needs such as clothing to 649 individuals in La Union, 3,139 bottles of waters, 2,000 jerry cans, 1,000 kitchen sets, 2,000 mosquito nets, 2,000 blankets, 2,000 sleeping mats, and 972 mattresses.

PRC also provided the provinces with bread to 1,665 individuals, 8,754 individuals with Hot Meals, and food items to 507 families.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, PRC made sure to promote hygiene to 1,075 individuals, distributing 92,000 liters of clean water serving 5,288 individuals. Face masks were also distributed to 2,047 individuals to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 while conducting relief operations.

“Patuloy ang Philippine Red Cross sa pagtulong sa mga nahihirapan sa panahaon ng kalamidad, lalo na ang mga most vulnerable. Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng ating partners, staff, at volunteers sa walang pagod na tumutulong sa mga naapektuhan ng STS Maring. Makaaasa kayo na ang Red Cross ay patuloy sa pagbibigay ng pag-asa at i-uplift ang dignidad natin upang tayo ay makabangon at makatayo muli sa sarili nating mga paa,” Sen. Dick Gordon said.

PRC continues to provide relief operations as help is still on the way to aid the Maring-battered communities. (Philippine Red Cross)