The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and American Red Cross (AMCROSS), simultaneously conducted cash distributions in Leyte, Cebu, Rizal and Catanduanes – localities greatly affected by last year’s Typhoon Rolly and the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
10 months after the lockdown, as the Philippines struggle with unemployment, economic losses and navigating the “new normal” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of typhoons smashed into the country causing more suffering.
PRC visited communities and conducted assessments in order to identify those with the greatest exposure to risk and danger. Families of these individuals were given a cash grant of P3,500.00 each.
PRC Chair and CEO Senator Dick Gordon, virtually attended the event with AMCROSS representative Mr. Nikhil Khanna, IFRC Interim Operations Manager Ms. Radhika Fernando, and other officials from the local government unit (LGU).
In his message, Gordon lauded the PRC staff and volunteers for their unending work to help alleviate human suffering.
“This would not be possible if it were not for our hardworking staff and volunteers.”
“This would not be possible if it were not for our hardworking staff and volunteers. The Philippine Red Cross is here to serve the most vulnerable,” the veteran legislator said.
In Leyte, 301 families from 32 barangays in the Municipality of Alang Alang were given cash assistance totaling to P1,053,500 as part of PRC’s COVID-19 support.
Meanwhile, 72 families from the Municipality of Minganilla and Naga City in Cebu received a total of P252,000. Most of the beneficiaries were unemployed or considered as high risk and unfit to work due to the COVID19 quarantine restrictions.
A total of P122,500 was granted to 35 beneficiary families from 13 barangays in the municipality of Tanay, Province of Rizal.
As for the Typhoon Rolly-affected communities, 191 vulnerable families were given cash assistance in the municipality of Baras in Catanduanes amounting to P668,500.
In total, the humanitarian organization was able to provide P2,096,500 to 599 most vulnerable families.
In total, the humanitarian organization was able to provide P2,096,500 to 599 most vulnerable families in the said municipalities.
Since the start of the pandemic and after the chain of typhoons, the PRC has continuously supported communities in-need with cash support, allowing the receiving families to spend the money as they see fit according to their needs and priorities.