Philippine Red Cross visits earthquake affected areas

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — All donations given by the Philippine Red Cross must reached the identified beneficiaries, according to its secretary-general Gwendolyn Pang in her recent visit to Negros Oriental, particularly Guihulngan City and La Libertad town, two of the hardest-hit LGUs of the earthquake last year.

Pang met with 110 beneficiaries of the shelter repair kits, costing P10,000 each, distributed by PRC as part of the P1.3 million donation from the Chinese Red Cross in Taipeh.

Pang was accompanied by PRC chapter administrator Louella Bael, its board of directors headed by chairman Henry Sojor and volunteers in the site visitation.

Bon Mark Uy, coordinator of the PRC-143 unit in the province, said the shelter repair kits were distributed to those whose houses were damaged but have not received any help from the LGU or non-government organizations.

The PRC, spending a total of P15 million, also sent emergency relief assistance, volunteer medical teams, first aiders, a field hospital, tents and generator sets, then set-up a water sanitation system, including non-food items and supported the beneficiaries in the recovery efforts.

Pang further confirmed the approval of a loan request of P10 million to finance the putting up of a blood testing station at the PRC provincial headquarters.

The amount will be used to acquire a refrigerated blood separator machine, costing P2.8 million, which is capable of separating the platelet and the plasma of blood needed by dengue patients, said Pang. “This is our commitment to Negros Oriental for blood service,” she added. — (FREEMAN)