FOR THE COLD AND HUNGRY Social workers and volunteers pack relief goods at the Public
Safety and Emergency Management Office in Albay province on Wednesday for distribution to
hundreds of people jamming the shelters after fleeing Typhoon “Tisoy”.
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is asking for in-kind donations like food, clothing, water, and other materials for the benefit of Bicol region residents affected by Typhoon Tisoy.
Secretary Eduardo Año in a statement on Friday said that they are calling on Filipinos to embody the spirit of Christmas by helping the needy, especially those who felt the wrath of the said typhoon.
These donations, he said, would be given to the Project Tabang Bikol (Project Help Bicol) — a collaboration between DILG, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and airline company Cebu Pacific.
“We are appealing to all our fellow Filipinos, let the true spirit of Christmas shine upon each one of us by extending our help to Typhoon Tisoy victims in Bicol and other affected areas,” Año said.
“The DILG serves as your conduit in ensuring that your donations really reach the local government units and the affected communities,” he added.
Food items, including ready-to-eat food, canned goods, bottled water; toiletries, blankets, and repair material are still among the urgently needed relief goods.
However, DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya reminded people who would want to donate that they only receive in-kind donation and not cash grants.
DILG urged donors to consolidate their donations to maximize resources.
Malaya meanwhile noted that after the organizations have collected the relief goods, they will connect with DILG’s main office in Metro Manila and provide details about the package, like its total weight, target delivery date, and destination.
After which, DILG would send the details and the request to CAB, who in turn will endorse it to Cebu Pacific. The donations will then be sent to Cebu Pacific’s cargo at the airports, to be received by the DILG’s field personnel or the assigned donor counterpart.
Local government units will then be assigned to distribute the relief goods to the residents.
After Typhoon Tisoy ravaged through the country, authorities say that the Bicol region, especially Sorsogon and Albay, appear to be the worst-hit areas. Local government estimates that Tisoy left around P2.6 billion worth of damage in Sorsogon, and another P2.5 billion in Albay.
Just this Friday, reports said that the recorded damage to schools in the said region has already reached P940 million.
DILG said prospective donors can contact their Central Office through the Public Assistance and Complaints Center at telephone numbers (02) 8925-0343 or (02) 8876-3454 local 6700, or through cellphone numbers 0917-9711410 to arrange for free air freight the relief goods.