Cebu: Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has commended the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for its decisive action and unwavering commitment to public service following the disastrous 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu and nearby provinces on Sept. 30.
According to Philippines News Agency, Baricuatro particularly hailed PCSO's rapid deployment of relief aid and vital medical support through its Bayanihan Aid Caravan, stating that the PCSO was among the very first national agencies to roll out assistance for victims in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. 'We are deeply grateful to PCSO for your rapid response and for reaching out to help so quickly when Cebu needed it most,' Baricuatro said in a news release on Wednesday.
The PCSO quickly mobilized its branch offices and called on its authorized agent corporations (AACs) within hours of the quake to deliver food packs, hygiene kits, and other essential goods to the hardest-hit areas. It subsequently deployed the Bayanihan Aid Caravan to distribute ChariTimba, relief packs, and evacuation kits to affected families in a wide swath of northern Cebu, including Bogo City, San Remigio, Medellin, Borbon, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Daanbantayan, Bantayan, Santa Fe, and Madridejos.
The agency also boosted Cebu's emergency healthcare capability by turning over 11 new ambulances or patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to local government units in Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Naga City, Alegria, Asturias, Consolacion, Madridejos, Poro, San Francisco, Tabogon, and Tuburan. 'The additional patient transport vehicles will be a critical resource, enabling faster medical responses for remote communities,' Baricuatro said.
She also extended her gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his efficient leadership that ensured national agencies were mobilized swiftly during the crisis. For his part, PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles lauded their field personnel and partner corporations who persevered despite the challenges to reach and provide help to those in need. 'Every minute counted after the quake. Our presence mattered most in those crucial moments,' Robles said. 'Seeing our teams and partners traverse land, air, and sea to reach affected communities was a reaffirmation that public service is not only our duty - it is our calling.'
Local chief executives from the recipient municipalities also expressed their appreciation for the timely and substantial aid provided by the PCSO. They especially noted that the thousands of ChariTimba relief packs and the new PTVs will significantly boost local emergency response and recovery efforts. The Bayanihan Aid Caravan is set to continue its mission across other Visayas provinces, reinforcing the PCSO's strong pledge that no community is left behind in times of crisis.
