The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) began another massive
relief drive in Northern Luzon on Friday, November 15, immediately after Typhoon Ofel
barreled down the country’s northern towns and provinces.
The agency prepared over 21,000 relief packs and immediately extended aid to
displaced residents in Apayao (1,000 packs), Cagayan (2,000 packs), Isabela (5,000
packs), and Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte (2,000 packs).
A total of 11,000 food and non-food packs are also scheduled for delivery to severely
affected municipalities in Cagayan including Aparri, Baggao, Ballesteros, Buguey,
Calayan, Sanchez Mira, and Santa Teresita.
“We have been in close coordination with the Office of Civil Defense to facilitate the
distribution of these relief aids to severely affected communities,” said PAGCOR
Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.
from PAGCOr for the typhoon victims in their province.
“We understand the need of these local communities to receive all the help they can get
and enable them to rise above their dire situation,” he said.
The PAGCOR chief added that even at the height of Typhoon Ofel, the agency was in
constant coordination with local government units (LGUs) to ensure the timely distribution
of relief assistance.
“We have been actively working with affected LGUs to determine the number of
displaced families that needed help and to ensure that no community is left behind,” Mr.
Tengco said.
Super Typhoon Ofel, the 15th tropical storm to hit the Philippines this year, left a trail of
damage in Northern Luzon. The province of Cagayan alone reported Php1.4 billion in
damage to agriculture from the series of typhoons in recent weeks.
