The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon and Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang personally went to vulnerable communities affected by Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine (international name: Trami) in Camarines Sur and Albay as part of the PRC’s intensified relief efforts on October 30. 

“Personal kaming nagtungo sa mga probinsyang ito para maipadama ang pagkalinga at pagmamahal ng Red Cross sa ating mga kababayang lubhang naapektuhan ng nagdaang Bagyong Kristine. Nagpadala tayo ng ating assets gaya ng water tankers, food trucks, amphibian, 6×6 rescue trucks, at iba pa upang maipaabot ang iba’t ibang tulong at serbisyo ng PRC. Kalunos-lunos man ang ating naging karanasan, nandito kami para magbigay pag-asa at samahan kayong bumangon,” Chairman Gordon said. 

The PRC distributed hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and jerry cans to 399 families or 1,995 individuals in Naga City, Camarines Sur. 

Additionally, the PRC also provided hot meals and clean water for the affected residents. A health caravan was also conducted wherein the beneficiaries were given medicines and Doxycycline capsules for leptospirosis prevention. 

After Naga, the PRC went straight to Brgy. Malitbog, Minalabac, CamSur and dispensed packed meals, kitchen sets, and jerry cans to 400 families or 2,500 individuals. 

In the afternoon, the PRC traveled to the Brgy. Zone 4, Libon, Albay to continue its relief efforts. A total of 487 families or 2,420 individuals were provided food packs and jerry cans. 

Moreover, the PRC supplied hot meals and organized a health caravan wherein the residents availed free medicines, health promotion sessions, and IEC materials. 

Still in Albay, the PRC went to Brgy. Buga, Libon, and distributed kitchen sets and jerry cans to 681 households. Potable water was also provided for the affected residents. 

“We are continuously appealing to our donors and sponsors because our work is not yet over. The PRC has been there for our kababayans since day one. Salamat sa ating mga masisipag na volunteers sa buong bansa na kasama natin sa labang ito,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added. 

The PRC’s Typhoon Kristine relief and recovery efforts in CamSur and Albay were made possible through the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Australian Embassy, the Canadian Red Cross, and New Zealand Aid. 

As of October 30, the PRC served over 31,000 people in 49 affected provinces in the country under its STS Kristine operations. 

###