Manila: A total of 12 containers of forfeited goods are set to be donated to the victims of the recent earthquake in Mindanao, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said on Saturday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno announced that the containers are being prepared for distribution, focusing on both the urgent needs and early recovery of those affected by the magnitude 7.8 quake on June 8. These goods include medical equipment for hospitals and health workers, wood for temporary shelters, construction materials for repairing damaged facilities, machinery for debris clearing and rehabilitation, and household goods to aid families in restoring basic living conditions.
'I thank our BOC officers and staff for their quick response. Coming from the Office of Civil Defense, it is natural for us to look into how we can immediately utilize the available resources to help. Instead of letting these forfeited goods sit in our warehouses, we want to make sure they go directly to the families and communities in need of our assistance,' Nepomuceno said in a news release.
The release of these items is being expedited under the commissioner's instructions, as part of a broader government effort to respond quickly and ease the situation of affected communities. At the local level, BOC ports are also stepping up relief efforts.
The Port of Davao, under District Collector Maita Acevedo, led the distribution of relief goods to earthquake-affected communities in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, reaching a total of 1,000 families in three barangays - Malalan (175 families); Kalbay (650 families); and Butuan (175 families). The Port of Zamboanga, under District Collector Elenita Aba±o, in coordination with the Sub-Port of Dadiangas, also conducted Operation Tulong 2026, delivering food items, bottled water, and other necessities to earthquake-affected families in General Santos City and nearby areas.
The initiative involved personnel from both ports working together to gather, transport, and distribute relief goods, reinforcing inter-port cooperation in responding to community needs. Meanwhile, the Ports of Cagayan de Oro, led by District Collector Manuel Zurbito, Jr., launched its own donation campaign for quake-affected communities in Soccsksargen, calling for contributions, such as hygiene kits, ready-to-eat food, water, blankets, tents, and monetary aid from June 11 to 17 to support ongoing relief efforts.
Other ports, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Port of Manila, Manila International Container Port, Port of Cebu, Port of Iloilo, Port of Surigao, Port of Batangas, and Port San Fernando, La Union, have likewise initiated their respective donation drives, as all BOC ports nationwide mobilize efforts to assist communities affected by the devastating earthquake. The initiative reflects the government's continuing efforts to address immediate needs while supporting early steps toward recovery, ensuring that assistance is practical, timely, and directed to Filipino families most affected by the earthquake.
