PCSO provides P5.8-M aid to flood victims in Cagayan

AID FOR FLOOD VICTIMS. PCSO General Manager Royina Garma leads the distribution of Christmas goodies and grocery packs to indigenous communities in Tuguegarao, Cagayan on Sunday (Dec. 29, 2019). The province was hit by widespread flooding caused by various weather disturbances earlier this month. (Photo courtesy of PCSO via PNA)

MANILA — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Monday said it has turned over PHP5.8 million cash assistance and grocery packs to 21 municipalities affected by floods in the province of Cagayan.

As part of the agency’s “Pamaskong Handog” to the community, PCSO General Manager Royina Garma went to Cagayan on Sunday to personally hand over gift packs containing basic necessities to the indigenous community in the province and nearby communities.

Garma said the PCSO is here to help countrymen who were affected by the typhoon and every year the agency appropriates calamity fund to assist families affected by natural and man-made calamities just like any other assistance released by the agency.

Meanwhile, PCSO director Sandra Cam distributed similar items in Camarines Norte, Sorsogon and Camarines Sur while Anjo de Leon, representative of PCSO chairman Anselmo Simeon Pinili was in Catanduanes also to hand over gift packs to the communities in the area.

Garma recently reported the agency provided PHP89 million in calamity assistance to areas hit by earthquakes and typhoons during the last quarter of the year.

Garma earlier said the PCSO would introduce more games in 2020 and strengthen its campaign to patronize only legitimate number games.

The PCSO serves as the principal government agency for raising and providing funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character.

Garma called on the public to continue patronizing PCSO’s products as a large chunk of its revenues goes to charity programs.