PRC sets up ‘Hot Meals on Wheels’ at evacuation sites

By Ana-Liza Macatangay

NAGA City --- The Philippine Red Cross-Camarines Sur Chapter stations its “Hot Meals on Wheels” to evacuation centers in Minalabac and Cabusao towns after TS Paeng flooded numerous low-lying areas in the province over the weekend.

PRC Camarines Sur Chapter Administrator Maria Felisa Rey Badiola said that this was part of PRC’s social welfare services to assist families and individuals who have to seek temporary sanctuary at the evacuation centers while TS Paeng battered the province with heavy rains.

The provincial government also placed the entire Camarines Sur under “red alert status.”

“As a humanitarian organization, PRC is devoted to providing services to those in need, particularly during disasters. We were able to provide hot meals to 245 people at the Minalabac Municipal Evacuation Center on October 30, thanks to our Red Cross Youth (RCYs) volunteers, personnel from the national headquarters, and local chapter,” Badiola said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency Camarines Sur.

THE agency also set-up a Child-Friendly space and cheered up the children with the presence of a clown. Creating a child-friendly space inside the evacuation center is pursuant to Republic Act. No. 10821 or the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act “which seeks to protect children, nursing mothers and pregnant women before, during, and after disasters, calamities or any emergency situation.” (PRC CamSur/PIA5-Camarines Sur)

PRC staff also conducted hygiene orientation inside the evacuation center.

Last Monday, Oct. 31, 530 evacuees were served hot macaroni soup at the Camagong Covered Court in the town of Cabusao.

Hot meals were also served to 75 PDRRMC responders manning the Emergency Operations Center at the Camarines Sur Provincial Capitol on the same day.

During the comme-moration of Undas, PRC personnel and volunteers extended their hot meal distribution to individuals visiting their dearly departed loved ones at Sto. Niño Memorial Park and Eternal Gardens cemetery.

On November 3, the PRC team proceeded to LGU Ragay and to San Fernando last Nov. 5 where they served hot meals to the residents.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is a humanitarian organization that delivers various services and promotes volunteerism. PRC's current programs include Blood Services, Disaster Management Services, Safety Services, Health Services, Social Services, Red Cross Youth, and Volunteer Services. (PIA5/Camarines Sur)