TARLAC, PHILIPPINES—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) led by its Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick Gordon” in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) held the first installment of its Household Livelihood Assistance program that financially supports vulnerable communities affected by the rage of the Southwest Monsoon which was further intensified by Tropical Cyclones Butchoy and Carina in the province of Tarlac. 

Through the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF), a total of 274 vulnerable families residing in Barangays Lomboy, Macalong, and San Roque in La Paz, Tarlac received ₱9,000 each (with a total amount of ₱2.4 million) to help them rebuild their lives and restart their livelihoods. The livelihood cash distribution, spearheaded by the Tarlac Chapter and the Disaster Management Services team, was held  in Brgy. Rizal, La Paz on December 17.

Chairman Gordon highlighted the importance of consistent and relentless service, stating, “The Red Cross never rests, not even during the holidays. We bring hope and help to those who need it most, proving that compassion knows no season.”

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang pointed out that this is just one of the many disaster and livelihood efforts of the PRC for Filipinos, stating that “The PRC will continue to create and implement meaningful initiatives that uplift and restore lives and livelihoods.” 

According to the PRC, a second installment of ₱6,000 will be distributed early next year in Tarlac while first and second tranches will be done in the province of Bulacan. For both tranches, the PRC and IFRC target more than a thousand vulnerable households with a total amount of ₱15 million.