Manila: The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF), has successfully airlifted approximately 2,500 "ChariTimba" relief packages using a C-130 aircraft for the families severely impacted by the recent flooding in Maguindanao del Sur.
According to Philippines News Agency, the operation followed specific instructions from President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., emphasizing the collaborative efforts of various government agencies to ensure swift delivery of aid to the affected communities. The OCD highlighted the government's commitment to promptly providing assistance to those in dire need due to the severe flooding.
The OCD, under the guidance of Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chair Gilberto Teodoro Jr., coordinated with the PAF to utilize military air assets for efficient transportation. Leading the initiative were PCSO General Manager Mel Robles and OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, supported by Assistant Secretaries Cesar Idio and Jekereen Joy Casipit. These officials personally oversaw the loading of relief supplies, including rice, canned goods, instant noodles, and bottled water, at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
These "ChariTimba" packages represent the second wave of assistance, following an initial distribution of 1,000 food packs on Saturday. Robles underscored the PCSO's commitment to always being ready to assist in such emergencies, aligning with the President's directive to maintain vigilance and readiness to aid affected Filipinos.
Despite logistical challenges, Robles reassured the public of their preparedness to provide aid, having established arrangements with suppliers and warehouses to ensure timely delivery of necessary supplies. He affirmed the President's active involvement, directing the utilization of all available resources, and noted the agency's agility in responding swiftly, working closely with both the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Meanwhile, Nepomuceno stated that the 2,500 relief packages from the PCSO are more than adequate to support the estimated 1,639 affected families. The initial deliveries prioritize the main areas, particularly communities and evacuation centers, with additional airlifting assistance requested from the Armed Forces of the Philippines for areas inaccessible by land.
Nepomuceno emphasized continued collaboration with government offices, the Armed Forces, and local governments to ensure aid reaches all affected communities, including remote barangays, where local government units' assistance will be enlisted to deliver relief to the victims. The ongoing efforts aim to support Filipinos in recovering and rebuilding from the disaster.
