By DODO ROSARIO
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) recently initiated a relief drive for typhoon Egay victims in the Ilocos region recently.
As the relief effort coincides with his first year in office, PCSO General Manager Melquiades “Mel” Robles personally led the distribution of food packs, bottled water, and medicines to families who are currently seeking shelter in an evacuation site in barangay San Julian Norte, Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
Robles and his executive assistant Arnold Arriola also turned over relief goods for other areas in Vigan to the LGU represented by Governor Jerry Singson, Vice Governor Ryan Singson, Vigan Mayor Jose Singson, and Vice Mayor Randolf Singson.
Meanwhile, PCSO offices in La Union, Ilocos Norte, and Kalinga were simultaneously delivering assistance to their residents who were battered by the typhoon.
PCSO Ilocos Norte/La Union Branch Manager Lalaine Martos, Ilocos Sur Branch Manager Elizabeth Posadas, and Kalinga Branch Manager Heherson Pambid took charge of the relief drive in their respective areas.
The initiative was rolled out upon the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., requesting the PCSO to extend aid to calamity-stricken families in the Ilocos region.
To recall, the southwest monsoon, enhanced by typhoon Egay, brought heavy rains and flooding over Northern Luzon and other parts of the country over the week, leaving over 500,000 Filipinos affected.
Recognizing the urgent need for assistance, Robles promptly ordered the coordination of branch offices and Small Town Lottery Authorized Agency Centers in the said provinces to ensure the smooth distribution of aid to the affected families.
“Our office is committed to providing immediate relief to the affected families in collaboration with the local organizations and government units,” Robles said.
“We have established a direct presence in the regions and are continuously in contact with parallel organizations that can assist the local government units in ensuring the timely distribution of relief services and necessities to the affected communities,” he added.
This is aligned with Robles’ commitment to strengthen the PCSO’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program which includes disaster preparedness and relief operations.
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