PCSO Sends Relief Goods to Flood-hit Datu Piang in Maguindanao Sur

MANILA – Acting on orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to immediately send help and assistance to thousands of residents affected by massive floodings in Maguindanao del Sur, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) conducted relief operations Saturday.

PCSO General Manager Mel Robles said they mobilized their authorized agent corporation in the province, 5A Royal Gaming OPC, to spearhead the distribution of 1,000 food packs to an evacuation center in Datu Piang.

The relief efforts were conducted in collaboration with the Philippine National Police and the local government, according to a news release.

Each food pack contained five kilos of rice, instant noodles, canned goods, noodles and potable water

Robles likewise announced that 2,500 pieces of “charitimba” (charity timba or pail), also containing relief goods, will be airlifted from Villamor Air Base in Pasay City early Sunday.

“Our commitment is unwavering. We will not stop until we see to it that all the affected residents have already received necessary food and medical assistance,” Robles said.

Datu Piang in Maguindanao del Sur has been under a state of calamity since March 20 due to massive floods caused by the intertropical convergence zone.

As of the May 22 report of the Datu Piang Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, 8,000 families in 16 communities are affected.

The Ministry of Social Services and Development of the Bangsamoro Region said 14 municipalities in Maguindanao del Sur, with 45,778 households, were affected also as of May 22. (PR/PNA)