On Thursday, July 26, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), under the direction of General Manager Melquiades Robles, organized a relief effort for Typhoon Carina in Camanava and surrounding areas.
In Valenzuela and Navotas, relief supplies were provided in plastic water pails by the government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC).
In order to ensure that families affected by typhoons receive timely aid, Robles ordered all PCSO lotto branch offices and small-town lottery-authorized agent corporations (STL-AACs) to organize relief drives in their respective localities. This relief effort complies with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive.
During their campaign, Robles gave 500 relief packs to Jennifer Serrano, who was acting on behalf of Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco, and 500 more to Valenzuela Mayor Wesley Gatchalian at the Valenzuela Alert Center.
Chairwoman Florida Casaje of Barangay Damayan in Frisco, Quezon City, received an additional 150 packets.
"Our branch offices with STL-AACs are simultaneously conducting relief drives nationwide," Robles stated.
Relief has been distributed by a number of PCSO branches and STL-AACs in response to Robles' plea, including PCSO La Union Branch, PCSO Rizal Branch, and PCSO STL-AAC Greatminds Games and Amusement Corp. in addition to Muntinlupa Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac.
Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) has devastated villages in Bulacan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Pampanga, and Metro Manila. The United States has provided P55 million ($1 million) to help these communities.
Through funding from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), flood victims will also receive clean water, food aid, hygiene kits, emergency shelter kits, and one-time cash transfers to "allow them to recover from the disaster safely and with dignity," the US Embassy said in a statement on Wednesday.
“We are committed to working with the Philippine government and people as they rebuild and recover from this disaster,” USAID acting mission director Betty Chung said.
As per the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, fourteen individuals have been officially declared deceased following last week's catastrophic flooding due to heavy rains brought on by Carina and the southwest monsoon (habagat).
As of Wednesday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) assessed the damage to agriculture at P1.21 billion. In the regions of the Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western and Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and Caraga, it was stated that Carina had an impact on 46,625 farmers and fishermen.
52.47 percent, or P635.17 million, of the total damage was caused by rice when the typhoon destroyed 10,639 metric tons of rice on 39,785 hectares of land.
A total of P360.80 million, or 29.8% of the total, was lost by the fishing industry.
In addition, the DA noted damage to irrigation systems, cattle and poultry, high-value crops, and grain.
It stated, "The greatest efforts are also being made to provide affected farmers and fishermen with assistance and appropriate interventions."
These consist of 1,500 kilograms, or 63,494 packs, of vegetable seeds and 4,240 cans of biocontrol measures valued at P21.46 million; 77,496 bags of rice and maize seeds and biocontrol measures totaling P305.33 million.
While the Agricultural Credit Policy Council is ready to offer up to P25,000 in loans due in three years at 0% interest, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is also dispersing fingerlings, fishing gear, and accessories.
PCSO always steps up its relief whenever calamity strikes the country. It has always been that way for years. And it won't show signs of slowing down.
“PCSO will always be ready to come to the aid of Filipinos who are victims of natural calamities”, former PCSO Jose George Corpuz said.
In the Philippines, a country frequently devastated by powerful tropical storms, PCSO has played a crucial role in providing relief to typhoon victims. The PCSO was founded to assist with several philanthropic projects, but it has continuously focused its efforts on offering vital assistance and support during disasters.
Following significant typhoons, like Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, the PCSO responded promptly and thoroughly. One of the worst hurricanes in recorded history, Typhoon Yolanda, destroyed large portions of the Philippines. The PCSO moved quickly to help disaster relief efforts, allocating significant financial resources in the process. Among their assistance to the devastated areas was the distribution of basic necessities including food, water, and medical supplies. In addition, the PCSO was instrumental in providing funds for the reconstruction of homes, schools, and medical institutions that had been severely damaged by the hurricane.
The PCSO charity assistance does more than only provide emergency assistance in times of calamity. They also take part in long-term rehabilitation programs that aid in the reconstruction and reestablishment of communities. This includes aiding local government organizations in resuming vital services and providing support for infrastructure projects like the rebuilding of roads and bridges. For instance, following Typhoon Agaton in 2022, the PCSO supplied financial support for the restoration of public buildings that were damaged as well as medical treatment to individuals who were hurt.
The organization's dedication to disaster relief goes beyond providing money; it also includes a thorough strategy for reconstruction and rehabilitation. Through collaboration with other humanitarian organizations and local government entities, the PCSO guarantees that help is efficiently distributed and addresses the requirements of the most marginalized communities.
All things considered, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office has proven its steadfast dedication to helping typhoon victims with both short-term assistance and long-term recovery efforts, underscoring the importance of this office in the country's disaster response.
Join the OKBet eLotto community today and invite your friends to register for a chance to be the next big lotto winner in the Philippines!
