HUNDREDS of Philippine Red Cross (PRC) volunteers have stepped up to assemble critical relief packages for thousands of families impacted by widespread flooding and severe weather caused by Typhoon Maymay and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) across Luzon.
Despite heavy rains, volunteers from local communities, universities, and partner organizations gathered at PRC centers to pack essential provisions.
The humanitarian organization is preparing an initial batch of 2,800 food packages for immediate distribution. Each relief box contains five kilograms of rice, five cans of corned beef, five cans of beef loaf, five cans of sardines, five packs of instant noodles, and 12 sachets of coffee.
PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon commended the dedication of the volunteers who put their personal commitments aside to assist affected residents.
“Our volunteers could have stayed home despite the rain, their classes, and their work, but they chose to come here because there are families out there who need them,” Gordon said. “That spirit of volunteerism is what keeps the Red Cross moving. Every box they pack today is a message to a family that they are not alone.”
While displaced residents staying in evacuation centers are currently receiving hot meals, the repacking initiative specifically targets families preparing to transition back to their homes as floodwaters recede.
PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang emphasized the importance of supporting families during the cleanup phase.
“When they are in evacuation centers, we give them hot meals. As they prepare to return home, we provide items they can cook later, since many flooded homes still need cleaning and recovery,” Pang explained.
Alongside food distribution, PRC volunteers will conduct door-to-door visits in affected communities to check on returning families and evaluate ongoing needs.
The deployment builds on PRC’s extensive emergency response operations. Assessment teams have evaluated 14 hard-hit areas, transported over 1,800 individuals to medical facilities, and established 53 first aid stations.
To date, the PRC has provided hot meals to more than 11,000 individuals, distributed nearly 15,000 bottles of water, handed out over 3,200 hygiene kits, and reached thousands through hygiene education campaigns.
