The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) conducted relief operations in Maguindanao del Sur on Saturday, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to assist thousands affected by massive flooding.
PCSO General Manager Mel Robles said their authorized agent, 5A Royal Gaming OPC, led the distribution of 1,000 food packs in an evacuation center in Datu Piang. Each pack contained five kilos of rice, canned goods, noodles, and potable water. The relief was carried out in coordination with the Philippine National Police and local officials.
Robles also announced that 2,500 more “charitimba” or charity pails filled with relief items 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 has been under a state of calamity since March 20 due to floods triggered by the intertropical convergence zone. As of May 22, the local disaster office reported 8,000 affected families across 16 communities.
The Ministry of Social Services and Development of the Bangsamoro Region also noted that 45,778 households in 14 municipalities across the province have been affected.