Government, UN body rush typhoon aid

MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and various government agencies provided relief goods to thousands of Filipinos affected by Typhoon Ompong (international name Mangkhut) over the weekend.

In a statement, the WFP said it has delivered 20,000 bags of rice to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City.

The WFP said it would also participate in the government’s post-typhoon assessments in Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Administrative Region, two of the badly hit areas by Ompong.

The agency said it supports the Philippine government’s emergency response, through the contribution of the United States Agency for International Development’s Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance.

Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo said her office has formed disaster teams to coordinate with affected local government units.

“We have talked to the office of Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba, we have also talked to the office of former congresswoman Gina Abad of Batanes, we’re looking for relief goods which could be sourced from their neighboring areas so these won’t be costly,” Robredo said in an interview with dzXL.

She also appealed to traders not to increase prices due to Ompong.

“We are already experiencing crisis, prices of goods are already high, and now we experienced Typhoon Ompong, which may affect again prices knowing that Cagayan and Isabela are rice producers,” she said.

A total of 63,769 families or 250,036 persons were affected by Ompong, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

PCSO assistance

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is readying the release of assistance from its calamity fund to help thousands of residents displaced by the heavy rains and strong winds brought by Ompong.

Alexander Balutan, PCSO general manager, said the agency would releases funds once assessment has been made by the local government units.

During calamities, the PCSO, through its 64 branches nationwide, assesses first the exact situation in the area, people and families affected by the calamity in coordination with local government officials, DSWD and regional rescue teams, to avoid duplication of work.

He said the PCSO allots P100 million for calamity fund every year.

Balutan said those who want to coordinate with his agency for help can go to website: www.pcso.gov.ph. – With Mayen Jaymalin, Rainier Allan Ronda