By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
MANDALUYONG CITY — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) was among the first government agencies that responded, and promptly mobilized relief operations following the 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck Davao Region on Friday (Oct. 10).
PCSO personnel from its Davao Branch Office, in collaboration with authorized agent corporations (AACs) Jambhala Gaming Corporation, Felicity Games and Amusement Corporation, and Plutus Gaming Corporation, were among those that first responded and brought assistance to the earthquake victims.
Despite encountering major logistical challenges, including impassable roads initially leading to the epicenter in Manay, Davao Oriental, the combined team swiftly redirected efforts to the neighboring town of Tarragona.
Notably, PCSO was the first organization to conduct a relief drive in Tarragona after the tremors, confirming its role as a primary rapid-response government agency.
They traveled from Mati City and were able to provide urgent aid to more than 500 affected families in Tarragona town, despite another 6.7 magnitude earthquake that hit the same area on Friday night.
Initially, the team intended to distribute relief goods in Manay, the earthquake’s epicenter.
However, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that roads leading to Manay were impassable.
Consequently, the relief efforts were redirected to neighboring Tarragona, which also experienced significant damage.
“PCSO’s extensive network of 73 branches and AACs nationwide enables us to respond quickly and efficiently to affected communities, ensuring timely delivery of aid,” PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles said.
Relief distribution included food packs and mineral water.
Robles affirmed that PCSO is dedicated to providing continued assistance and is closely coordinating with local government units (LGUs) and disaster management officials to assess ongoing needs and prepare for further essential support.
He stressed that the PCSO stands resolute in its mission to leverage its resources for the welfare and recovery of Filipinos impacted by natural disasters.
Earlier, PCSO also launched an aid caravan to communities affected by Typhoon Opong in Masbate and the recent earthquake that hit Cebu. ###
