The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF), airlifted 2,500 “ChariTimba” relief packages on Sunday to assist families severely affected by flooding in Maguindanao del Sur.
The relief operation, carried out via a C-130 aircraft from Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, was in response to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure fast and coordinated delivery of aid to disaster-stricken areas.
“This deployment highlights the government’s commitment to providing immediate aid to those affected by the recent severe flooding,” the OCD said in a statement.
OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno and PCSO General Manager Mel Robles led the efforts, joined by Assistant Secretaries Cesar Idio and Jekereen Joy Casipit. They personally supervised the loading of relief goods, which included rice, canned goods, instant noodles, and bottled water.
The 2,500 “ChariTimba” packs mark the second wave of support following an earlier distribution of 1,000 food packs on Saturday.
PCSO’s Robles emphasized the agency’s readiness and agility in crisis response. “We are always on alert for these kinds of incidents. This has always been the directive of our President — to be ready to help our affected fellow Filipinos,” he said.
Despite logistical hurdles, Robles assured the public that supply chains and warehouses have been mobilized to ensure continued support. “We are a smaller agency, which allows us to respond faster. We’re coordinating closely with the Department of Health and the DSWD to deliver the necessary aid.”
Nepomuceno noted that the 2,500 food packs exceed the estimated 1,639 affected families, ensuring broad coverage. He added that aid efforts are focused on the most heavily impacted communities and evacuation centers, including remote and isolated areas.
“For areas unreachable by land, we are requesting air support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said. “We’re also working with LGUs to reach remote barangays.”
The government vowed to continue working with various agencies, including local governments and the military, to ensure no affected community is left behind in recovery efforts.