PCSO deploys patient transport vehicles, aid to Mindanao earthquake victims

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said on Thursday that it has extended assistance to the victims of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, which includes the deployment of patient transport vehicles (PTVs).

The PCSO said that among the assistance it provided are essential supplies, medical transport assets, and emergency aid. The relief operation was done through its Authorized Agent Corporations (AACs).

“The transported relief packs are designated for immediate distribution to heavily impacted areas, specifically targeting displaced families and residents in Barangays Calumpang, Apopong, and Lagao in General Santos City, as well as affected communities in the municipality of Malapatan, Sarangani,” the PCSO said in a statement.

“Aside from the relief goods transported from Villamor Air Base, PCSO is also deploying Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) from Cebu to support affected areas in Mindanao. Two PTVs each will be sent to Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and Davao del Norte, while one PTV will be deployed to North Cotabato,” it added.

The relief assistance includes Charitimba food packs, hygiene kits, evacuation kits, and medicine kits.

Meanwhile, the Charitimba packages contain essential food items designed to help sustain affected families during emergencies, including rice, ready-to-eat canned goods, instant noodles, and other basic food supplies that can be easily prepared and consumed by displaced individuals and families, the PCSO said.

“This is part of our commitment to support the President’s directive for a swift and coordinated government response during calamities. We will continue to work with partner agencies to ensure that assistance reaches affected families as quickly and as efficiently as possible,” said PCSO General Manager Melquiades "Mel" Robles.

The death toll from the earthquake rose to 47 as of Thursday, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. More than 346,000 people have been affected by the earthquake. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News