RICE AID. Navy troops in inflatable boats give a sack of rice to a family living in Baseco Compound located near the Pasig River on Easter Sunday (April 12, 2020). The activity was conducted in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Leadership and Development Center (AFPLDC) and in partnership with individual donors. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)
MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN), through its Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG), helped in the distribution of rice to poor families living in slum areas at the Baseco Compound, Tondo, Manila on Easter Sunday.
The area is considered one of Manila's largest slum areas and located near the Pasig River.
In a statement Tuesday, PN public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said NAVSOG utilized four inflatable boats to thread the Pasig River and distribute sacks of rice to 260 families settling in the area using 10-foot pole hooks to extend their reach.
The initiative was in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Leadership and Development Center (AFPLDC) and in partnership with individual donors.
"It also served as a test run for a possible means to help the poorest of the poor along littoral areas in this time of crisis using PN’s assets in support to the government’s National Action Plan (NAP) against (the coronavirus disease) Covid-19 led by chief implementor, retired Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr.," Roxas said.
With this effort, Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Adm. Loumer Bernabe showed that “not only (the) NAVSOG but the whole PN assets are readily available to help aid the government in its effort to address the impact of this Covid-19 in the country".
"We will continue to fight this unseen enemy and serve our kababayans in this crisis,” he added. (PNA)
