PRC: P1-B total aid given to Cebu as humanitarian assistance

CEBU CITY, Cebu July 3 (PIA) -- Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Richard "Dick" Gordon laid out the organization’s various accomplishments as he visited Cebu on July 1.

The PRC chairman and former senator said in a press conference that the organization was able to extend a total of Php 1 billion worth of humanitarian assistance in Cebu.

With this, according to Gordon, the PRC will continue to provide help and support for Cebuanos in the areas of response, relief, recovery, and rehabilitation.

"Importante ang mga Cebuano sa PRC, ug kanako. Ang tabang sa PRC nagpakita sa atong bug-os nga suporta sa pagbangon sa atong mga katagilungsod nga naapektuhan sa nagkadaiyang katalagman [Cebuanos are important to PRC and to me. The assistance that PRC continues to extend to Cebu only shows our commitment to help the families affected by disasters]." Gordon said.

He also added that in the province of Cebu alone, the PRC was able to construct a total of 8,741 houses, repaired 1,263 houses, extended livelihood assistance to 8,854 families, and granted cash assistance to 12,517 families.

An amount of Php 2 million worth of food items has also been distributed to 21,789 families, while livelihood assistance for 500 families in the towns of Alcoy, Badian, and Alegria was also provided as part of its relief operations for Typhoon Odette.

Furthermore, Gordon stated regarding the ongoing construction of the full shelter intended for the 70 households relocated in Barangay Poblacion, Alegria, Cebu.

He also revealed about the plan of one LGU in Cebu to donate 1,000 square meters of land to support the organization’s expansion program.

In extending various types of assistance, the PRC chairman emphasized the importance of continuity for their projects as a key to empowering the affected families to recover from the effects of the disasters.

"Our priorities in the recovery phase must be redirected towards making communities resilient and adaptable to hazards, especially as we observe the Disaster Resilience Month this July," he added.

As the country’s premier humanitarian organization, the PRC has been conducting community disaster risk reduction efforts, sustainable and resilient pro-poor water supply programs, Haiyan-related recovery projects, and different livelihood programs.

Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Richard "Dick" Gordon answers questions from the Cebu media during a press conference in Cebu City on July 1, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Red Cross FB page)