MANDALUYONG CITY -- Last week, a beam of hope shone on Siargao as a group of Philippine Red Cross (PRC) volunteers and staff members led by Chairman and CEO Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon distributed hot meals, food items, deployed a water tanker, and provided an ambulance to 250 families.

"We are in the business of hope. We will continue to let those hit by the recent Super Typhoon Odette know that this is why the Red Cross continues to work ‘round the clock to provide immediate relief to the affected provinces," said Gordon as he led the distribution of water and relief items to affected communities, spoke with those who lost their homes, and attended to those who required medical support.

As Siargao is one of the hardest-hit communities by Super Typhoon Odette, the PRC has now distributed 212,690 liters of water, provided hot meals to 2,840 individuals, helped link 175 individuals with their families through free telephone calls, conducted play therapy with 650 children, gave psychosocial support to 553 individuals, and held a hygiene promotion session for 72 individuals. (Philippine Red Cross)