Relief Packages Delivered to Flood Victims in Maguindanao del Sur
Thousands of residents affected by severe flooding in Maguindanao del Sur began receiving relief packages as part of a coordinated aid effort. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) worked together to transport thousands of relief packages to the hardest-hit communities on Sunday, May 25.
Relief packages were loaded onto a C-130 aircraft at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City just before dawn. Local authorities supervised the loading, ensuring 2,500 units of “ChariTimba” relief packages were ready for airlift. Each package contains essential food items such as rice, instant noodles, canned goods, and bottled water.
Coordinated Efforts to Support Affected Communities
In addition to government aid, a foundation donated nearly 8,000 kilos of food packs, including rice, canned goods, sardines, and noodles, to support the relief operations. Officials emphasized the importance of focusing initial deliveries on main areas like evacuation centers and communities most affected by the floods.
“Our initial deliveries are focused on the main areas—particularly the communities and evacuation centers. We also need the support of local government units, especially in those remote barangays that can be reached by land transportation,” a source familiar with the matter shared.
For communities located in isolated areas inaccessible by land, authorities requested assistance from the air force to airlift relief goods. This approach aims to ensure that no affected family is left without aid regardless of their location.
Flooding Impact and Ongoing Response
Since May 14, Mindanao has experienced heavy rains and thunderstorms caused by the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). This weather pattern triggered flash floods across several provinces in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), affecting over 316,000 individuals or more than 63,000 families in Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and Basilan.
Other regions such as the Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao, and Soccsksargen have also reported flooding that affected more than 12,000 residents. Tragically, four people lost their lives due to drowning incidents in various provinces.
Officials reiterated that evacuation centers are receiving immediate assistance, while local governments play a crucial role in delivering aid to remote barangays. “For those in evacuation centers, we will ensure they are assisted immediately. For the remote barangays, we rely on local government units to help us deliver aid. It’s a collective effort,” community leaders said.
For more news and updates on relief packages reach flood victims, visit Filipinokami.com.