Philippine Red Cross’ M/V Amazing Grace (PRC photo)
MANILA – Nearly a month after the onslaught of Super Typhoons Rolly and Typhoon Ulysses that severely affected around 15,000 families in Catanduanes, local officials have expressed profound gratitude for the Philippine Red Cross’ (PRC) numerous assistance provided to their constituents.
Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua thanked PRC Chairman and CEO, Senator Richard Gordon for visiting the island province again on Sunday to check on the condition of typhoon survivors and to provide additional aid.
“Malaki ang pagpapasalamat namin sa inyo, Senator Dick Gordon. Noong November 3, dalawang araw mula nang humagupit ang super typhoon Rolly, agaran ang inyong pagresponde sa Catanduanes. Isa po kayo sa unang nagpadala ng tulong kagaya ng hygiene kits, shelter kits at iba pa. Ang misyong ito ay testimonya at patunay ng malasakit sa kapwa (We expressed our profound gratitude to Senator Dick. On November 3, two days after Rolly hit us, you immediately responded for Catanduanes. You are among those who sent initial assistance like hygiene kits, shelter kits, among others. This mission is a testament and proof of our concern,” Cua said in a PRC news release on Tuesday.
Aside from hygiene and shelter kits, the PRC immediately provided food supplies and clean water for the residents when the typhoons struck as relief packs at that time were inadequate and deep wells were the only source of water.
“Hindi ko rin makakalimutan ang inyong water filtration system na nagbigay ng malinis na tubig para sa aming mga Catanduanon. Almost 400,000 liters ang na-process noong water filtration, kung saan nakapagbigay ng malinis at inuming tubig (We will not forget the water filtration system you gave us for Cataduanons to have clean water. We got almost 400,000 liters through water filtration),” he said.
During his visit, Gordon led the distribution of kitchen sets to around 300 families in the municipality of San Andres, while around 2,600 families received PHP3,500 each as cash assistance from the PRC.
Additional relief supplies were provided to affected families as the country’s first and only humanitarian vessel, PRC’s M/V Amazing Grace, docked in Catanduanes to deliver other necessities such as blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, jerry cans and galvanized iron (GI) sheets for roofing.
San Andres Mayor Peter Cua also expressed his sincere appreciation to Gordon for his concern, assistance to the people not only in San Andres but in the whole province of Catanduanes.
“Si Senator po ay mayroong pusong tumulong at salamat po sa Philippine Red Cross (Senator [Gordon] has the heart ready to help and we would like to thank the Philippine Red Cross),” Mayor Cua said.
Gov. Cua said the humanitarian mission of M/V Amazing Grace is highly appreciated by the people of Catanduanes.
“Please know that we truly appreciate your overwhelming support to the province. We are humbled by your presence today and most of all, we are forever grateful,” he added. (PR)
