Pitmaster Foundation is exerting efforts to reach thousands of families affected by Typhoon Odette in Mindanao and Visayas regions by coordinating with the Philippine Marines.
According to Pitmaster Executive Director Atty. Caroline Cruz, the Foundation saw an immediate need to seek the help of Philippine Marines’ 72nd Marangal Batallion to expedite its relief operations in the typhoon-ravaged provinces in Southern Philippines.
Cruz said she personally checked the actual situation in affected areas and found out that many roads had been destroyed by floods spawned by Odette.
Cruz lauded the Marines’ effort, which was not limited to transporting relief goods.
The Marines also helped the foundation in the repacking of food and hygiene kits intended for the initial target of 100,000 families in Surigao, Bohol, Negros and Palawan.
The foundation is anticipating more requests from local government units, which have been forwarding their requests for assistance from Pitmaster Chairman Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang.
“Dahil patuloy ang paghingi ng tulong ng mga LGUs sa aming chairman na si Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang, expected namin na madadagdagan pa ang 100,000 families na bibigyan ng ayuda within the next few days,” stressed Cruz.
Although Cruz did not reveal the cost of the foundation’s relief operations, its expenditure on rice, canned food, and hygiene kits may easily reach P45 million.
Pitmaster has its main distribution center in Cebu City owing to its strategic location.
Cruz extended the Pitmaster’s gratitude to Easter Visayas Naval Reserve Commander Col. James Lugtu for offering his personnel and transport vehicles that resulted in speedy relief operations.
This was not the first time Pitmaster made its presence felt during calamities. The foundation also extended its help to families affected by typhoons in Metro Manila last year.