Red Cross provides counseling to quake survivors in Pampanga
NONSTOP RESCUE WORK Policemen guard on Tuesday the vicinity of Chuzon Supermarket, which collapsed in an earthquake the previous day, as rescuers continue their search for survivors. File photo / AP
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has conducted psychosocial counseling and other psychological support to the 12 survivors and 20 employees rescued under the rubble of the collapsed Chuzon supermarket following the 6.1 quake on April 22.
READ: Luzon quake: Frantic search for survivors
“PRC’s welfare teams have conducted psychosocial support to 20 employees of Chuzon supermarket and 12 survivors currently admitted at Julio B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital in San Fernando,” the PRC said in a statement on Friday.
READ: Quake survivor: Supermarket building collapsed in seconds
The PRC added that a group of volunteers also provided welfare services to 55 Aeta families in the municipality of Porac in Pampanga.
“The Aetas refuse to stay in any type of concrete evacuation center as they are traumatized by the shaking,” Dr. Susan Mercado, head of the said PRC volunteers, wrote in a Facebook post last April 24.
“There are also those with pre-existing mental health issues who are further triggered into depression and anxiety,” she added.
The PRC further noted that it partnered with the Department of Health to provide psychosocial support to the survivors, mostly employees of Chuzon, and bereaved families affected by the earthquake.
“It is important that we work together in this time of need. The Red Cross is supporting government efforts to alleviate the suffering of people who lost their friends and families and the population who were forced to flee their homes regardless of their race,” PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said.
The PRC added that its team is currently at Sitio Pasubul, Brgy. Camias in Porac to distribute hygiene kits to 60 indigenous families to protect them from infections and diseases.
“We focus on the immediate needs of the most vulnerable and we will continue to provide services with the support of our volunteers and donors,” Gordon said. /jpv
