PCSO sends large-scale aid, vehicle fleet to quake-hit Mindanao
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) mobilized on Thursday large-scale relief assistance to earthquake-stricken Southern Mindanao, which included essential supplies and a fleet of patient transport vehicles (PTVs).
The latest effort, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for a swift and comprehensive government response to the earthquake, follows PCSO’s initial response through its Authorized Agent Corporations (AACs), which immediately mobilized and provided relief aid to affected communities within the first 24 hours after the earthquake.
At 4 a.m. on Thursday, PCSO’s bulk relief cargo was prepared for transport at Villamor Air Base in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
READ: Cut off by quake: Sarangani’s remote towns plead for water, food
An Airbus C-295 plane was allocated for the initial transport of relief goods to General Santos City. The C-295 departed Villamor Air Base at 8:20 a.m. carrying ChariTimba food packs.
At 11:30 a.m., a C-130 flight also departed to transport the remaining relief goods prepared for earthquake-hit communities in Southern Mindanao.
The relief packs are designated for immediate distribution to heavily impacted areas, specifically targeting displaced residents in Barangays Calumpang, Apopong, and Lagao in General Santos City and in the municipality of Malapatan, Sarangani.
PCSO is also deploying PTVs from Cebu to support affected areas in Mindanao. Two PTVs each will be sent to Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and Davao del Norte, while one PTV will be deployed to North Cotabato.
READ: Mindanao earthquake death toll climbs to 47
This deployment of PTVs forms part of PCSO’s broader effort to support emergency response, medical assistance, and mobility needs in earthquake-affected communities.
The relief assistance includes Charitimba food packs, hygiene kits, evacuation kits, and medicine kits intended to support affected families, evacuees, and communities recovering from the impact of the earthquake.
According to PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles, the agency’s continuing response reflects its commitment to be present for Filipinos from the first hours of a disaster.
“In times of disaster, immediate action can make a real difference for families who have lost access to basic needs. PCSO, through our AACs, was able to respond within the first 24 hours, and we are continuing that effort by sending more essential supplies, medical support, and relief assistance to our kababayans affected by the earthquake in Southern Mindanao,” Robles said.
“This is part of our commitment to support the president’s directive for a swift and coordinated government response during calamities. We will continue to work with partner agencies to ensure that assistance reaches affected families as quickly and as efficiently as possible,” he added.
The Charitimba packages contain essential food items designed to help sustain affected families during emergencies, including rice, ready-to-eat canned goods, instant noodles, and other basic food supplies that can be easily prepared and consumed by displaced individuals and families.
Each evacuation kit contains a mosquito net, towel, blanket, plastic mat, pillow, pair of slippers, and hand-crank flashlight. The hygiene kits include a malong, deodorant, alcohol, shampoo, powder, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, face mask, tissue, sanitary pads, and nail cutter.
The magnitude 7.8 tectonic earthquake struck off Southern Mindanao on Monday morning, causing damage to buildings, disrupting utility services, and prompting the suspension of classes and work in several areas while authorities continued to assess the full extent of the damage.
PCSO assured the public that it would continue coordinating with concerned government agencies and local partners to support ongoing relief, response, and recovery operations for communities affected by the earthquake in Southern Mindanao. /atm
HELP MINDANAO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
The Inquirer Foundation is calling for support for communities devastated by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.
In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the foundation is amplifying appeals for food, clean water and other critical assistance for affected families.
Donors may send contributions directly to the Philippine Red Cross through its official transfer channels, the complete list is available on the PRC’s Facebook page.
The Philippine Red Cross has activated its emergency fund campaign and deployed teams on the ground to provide medical services, distribute relief goods and extend psychosocial support to affected families.
