As part of its continuing recovery efforts for communities devastated by last year’s weather disturbances, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), last week provided a total of P4.8 million in livelihood cash assistance to more than 500 families in two towns in Catanduanes.
The event was conducted by the Red Cross simultaneously with similar events in Camarines Sur and Aurora, with a total of P9.3 million in cash assistance released to 1,200 families.
On Sept. 18, a total of 211 beneficiaries in Viga – 108 from Almojuela and 103 from Quezon – received the first tranche of ₱9,000 each in the presence of Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza and Mayor Jennifer Tuplano.
The following day, 328 recipients – 179 from Biong and 149 from Sioron – also got their initial livelihood assistance packets at the Gigmoto Municipal Gymnasium.
PRC Catanduanes Chapter Administrator Reymund Reginaldo explained that the release of the 2nd tranche is conditioned on the recipients’ compliance with their responsibility to push through with their different livelihood projects costing P15,000 each household.
The projects range from poultry raising to sari-sari stores and vegetable gardening and will be implemented by the beneficiaries right from their homes.
A team from the Red Cross will be going back to the four barangays to check on the beneficiaries’ progress, with those unable to commence their individual projects to be ineligible for the 2nd tranche of P6,000 each.
In his pre-recorded video message, Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon emphasized that the assistance is not just short-term relief but a stepping stone toward long-term resilience.
“We must predict, plan, prepare, and practice. Hindi pwedeng ayuda lang. The money you receive today is not just to get by; it is capital for a more secure future. Masarap tumulong sa mga taong marunong ding tumulong sa kanilang sarili,” he said.
On the other hand, PRC Secretary-General Gwendolyn Pang thanked the IFRC and local partners for supporting the initiative, stressing that cash aid becomes most meaningful when translated into sustainable livelihood projects.
IFRC Program Coordinator Gopal Mukherjee likewise urged beneficiaries to maximize the support under the Household Livelihood Assistance Program (HLAP).
In thanking the Philippine Red Cross for its extensive help to the people of Catanduanes, Gov. Azanza commended the humanitarian organization for its unwavering compassion and commitment to uplifting and enriching the lives of Filipino families through various programs and initiatives.
Mayor Tuplano also expressed support for the continuing recovery efforts in the province.
For decades, PRC has been a constant presence in calamity-stricken provinces: from rapid response during Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses to delivering food, water, shelter kits, and medical aid.
The distribution reaffirms PRC’s commitment to help communities not only recover but rebuild stronger and more secure livelihoods for the future, Gordon stated.
In the wake of “Pepito,” the PRC Catanduanes Chapter served 1,000 families with bread, 1,044 with non-food items, 1,314 with multipurpose cash grants, and 4,462 with emergency shelter assistance while providing Mama and Baby kits to 200 women.
It also served hot meals to 11,625 individuals and 62,000 liters of potable water to 8,278 persons while more than 10,000 adults and children were reached through Health Promotion.
Seventeen typhoon victims were provided first aid while three were brought to the hospital using the Red Cross ambulance.