The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) continued its nationwide relief efforts, bringing its donation drive to the Bicol region to aid families heavily affected by recent typhoons.
League staff, together with Rain or Shine veteran Beau Belga, traveled to Libon, Albay to distribute rice, canned goods, and essential food packs to residents still reeling from the devastation of Super Typhoon Uwan last month. Close to 4,000 individuals received assistance during the relief event held at the Macapagal Gym.
Belga, a proud son of Gubat, Sorsogon, personally led the team in handing out goods to affected families. The initiative was made possible with the support of Mayor Mark Sayson, Vice Mayor Janero Saclag, Governor Noel Rosal, and the Ang Probinsiyano Partylist.
The destruction brought by the typhoon was so severe that Albay declared a province-wide state of calamity. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said the league made sure to respond based on the community’s most urgent needs.
“We asked what they needed most, and their top priority was food. That’s why we made sure to bring what would help them right away,” Marcial said. “We also thank all the local government units for their support in helping us reach those affected by the typhoon.”
Bicol is the second stop of the PBA’s relief operations in just one week, following a similar mission in Liloan, Cebu.
As the league gears up to resume the Philippine Cup this Friday after a three-week FIBA break, Marcial shared that more provincial charity activities are already in the works.
The donation drive forms part of the PBA’s Alagang PBA program, one of the cornerstone initiatives of the league’s 50th anniversary celebration, aimed at giving back to Filipino communities in times of need.