Reaching out to our Filipino brothers in Batanes is a long and challenging journey. But no amount of distance and hardship can sway Philippine Red Cross from providing relief and assistance to the most vulnerable and extending much-needed help to those who were recently at the receiving end of the trail of destruction wrought by Typhoon “Ferdie.”
When the PRC first traveled to Batanes on October 12, devastation, displaced families, and destroyed homes greeted the assessment teams to which PRC responded by providing immediate assistance such as psychosocial support and hygiene promotion to those whose lives were tragically altered by the typhoon. To further strengthen their communities, build resilience and prepare them for future disasters, PRC also began its recruitment for Red Cross 143 volunteers in order to establish a much-needed chapter in the province.
Later on, Red Cross sailed aboard the Philippine navy ship to Itbayat and Basco on October 26, bringing with them supplies and support needed for the victims of Typhoon “Ferdie.” The Red Cross volunteers saw the impact first-hand and made the necessary efforts to help and rebuild their lives.
Finally on October 29, relief supplies were distributed to 6,030 individuals who were provided with plastic mats, blankets, mosquito nets, tarpaulins and hygiene kits.
Indeed, it was a journey worth sailing.