ILOCOS Sur government officials lauded the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for its massive recovery operations for communities struck by Typhoon Mangkhut, locally known as Ompong.

During the distribution of household livelihood assistance to 501 families from the municipalities of Cabugao and Sinait in Ilocos Sur, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Efren Rafanan said PRC is the first organization to provide a substantial amount of P10,000 to aid typhoon-affected communities.

“Nobody has ever given P10,000 to the people. Even the local government units here have not. It is evident that the Red Cross cares. We thank the Red Cross for always being there for the past years and until now. I hope we could have a better relationship,” Rafanan said.

This was echoed by Cabugao Acting Mayor Deogracias Jose Victorino Savellano—noting that the amount will be beneficial to help families start anew.

“Dumating na ang tulong na hinihintay ng mga kababayan natin. We do not welcome disasters, but we welcome any assistance to address the damages brought by Ompong. First time naming makatanggap ng P10,000 para sa beneficiaries,” Savellano said.

The household livelihood assistance is part of PRC’s early recovery operations, in partnership with the Spanish Red Cross.

PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said the activity mirrors the organization’s commitment to serve the most vulnerable communities during and after a disaster.

“When the world no longer watches, andito pa kami. It’s been six months since Ompong, pero hindi namin kayo nakakalimutan,” Gordon said.

The household livelihood assistance provides opportunities for families to start income-generating activities to help them address their basic needs.

“Ayaw naming maging palaasa kayo. Kailangan magtrabaho tayo dahil hindi habang buhay nakayuko tayo,” Gordon said.