CEBU CITY, Cebu, Jan. 7 -- Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard Gordon led the distribution of multipurpose cash grant (MPCG) to 877 individuals in the cities of Mandaue and Cebu, and non-food items to residents affected by Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) in Talisay City on Jan. 6.
Gordon along with PRC personnel distributed P3,500 financial assistance to 627 families at the Mother Retrude Gym in Brgy. Jagobiao, Mandaue City and 250 families in Brgy. Inayawan, Cebu City.
After the cash grants were given, the PRC traveled to Talisay City to distribute relief items such as 500 hygiene kits, 500 sets of jerry cans, 500 sets of sleeping kits, and 500 sets of tarpaulins.
After the typhoon wreaked havoc in Cebu Province, Gordon deployed the PRC's payloader to assist in the clearing operations of displaced electrical posts and trees blocking roads.
Water tankers are also utilized to provide clean and potable water to affected residents.
The PRC also set up a welfare desk to help stranded individuals reconnect with their families and first aid stations to provide proper medical healthcare to the residents of Cebu.
"Sabay-sabay tayong babangon mula sa hagupit ni Bagyong Odette. Hatid ng Red Cross ay pagasa sa mga labis na naapektuhan ng bagyo. Lagi kaming narito upang tumulong maibalik ang dignidad sa mga tao at makatulong na tumayo uli sa sarili nating mga paa," Gordon said.
The PRC, led by Gordon, provided all-out support for Cebu by deploying the "hot meals on wheels" serving ready-to-eat meals to 5,169 individuals, providing psychosocial support to 71 individuals, distributing 338,750 liters of water, hygiene promotion to 10,232 inviduals, and clearing 315 cubic yards of debris using the payloader to make way for more relief.
To combat the continuing spread of COVID-19, the PRC conducted vaccination drives through its Bakuna Buses and led the COVID-19 testing through the establishment of the Mandaue City molecular laboratory.
As part of the PRC's humanitarian response to the affected families, the PRC also provided 8,671 houses in the Province of Cebu. (PR)
