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Red Cross relief goods underway The Philippine Red Cross relief goods are underway for disaster-stricken families in Mindanao as situation assessment goes on in various affected areas and the number of casualty continues to rise with death toll placed at 652. Three days after Tropical Storm Sendong (Washi) ravaged Mindanao with massive flashfloods, affected families struggled to pick up the pieces from whatever is left of their belongings. Red Cross expressed concern over the plight of the affected families, specially the children who were looking forward to the festive Christmas Season and the gifts they will receive. A child crying to her mother was heard saying, "Do we still have
Christmas, mother? Will I get my toys and my new pair of shoes you
promised?" PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon will lead relief distribution Monday in three worst-hit areas in Cagayan De Oro, Iligan and Bukidnon. He will also meet with local Red Cross leaders and partners for a more responsive and effective service delivery to the most vulnerable. Gordon will also encourage partners to focus on disaster risk reduction program as soon as the situation gets back to normal. PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang said, Red Cross sent Sunday to Cagayan De Oro City, Iligan and Bukidnon more than 1,000 food items, hygiene kits, sleeping materials and kitchen utensils, as well as used clothes, with the support of Philippine Airlines Foundation and Sulpicio Lines. Gordon and Pang thanked Movement partners led by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Australian AID which responded immediately to their appeal for help. Other supporters were Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc. (PCCAI), Filipino Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Inc. (FCGCCI), and Smart Communications which also provided "Libreng Tawag" services. PRC Governor Juan Miguel Zubiri donated 2 water tankers for water distribution to evacuation centers in affected areas. Red Cross welcomes donations in cash for its continuing relief and recovery efforts. Send your donations to PRC headquarters in Manila or to any affected Red Cross chapters. Red Cross hotline is 5270000. |