SKorea donates P10M for Mayon relief operations

The Korean embassy donated $200,000 or roughly P10 million to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to support its ongoing relief operations to thousands of families displaced by the looming Mayon Volcano eruption.

“This timely donation will not only augment the PRC’s capacity, but is also a great contribution in providing hope to thousands of families affected by Mayon’s volcanic activities. We commend the Korean embassy for continuously supporting us in our pursuit to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable,” PRC chairman and Sen. Richard Gordon said.

Gordon received the donation from Korean Ambassador Han Dong-Man, Minister Counselor Kyun Jongho, and chief economist Mabellene Reynaldo during a brief turnover ceremony at the PRC headquarters Wednesday.

The latest donation will be used to provide emergency relief such as hygiene kits and clean potable water, as well as construct more comfort rooms for thousands of evacuees who are still in 59 evacuation centers, Gordon said.

Last year, the embassy also donated over P5-million humanitarian assistance which supported the PRC’s relief operations for families affected by the conflict in Marawi.

While Mayon is showing signs of imminent eruption, the PRC has built five comfort rooms in Lower Binogsacan High School in Guinobatan, while construction of more latrines is ongoing in San Jose Elementary School, Malilipot Central School, Comun Elementary School, and Guinobatan West Central School.

The PRC also set up temporary learning spaces in Lower Binogsacan Elementary School, Bitano Elementary School, and Bagumbayan Elementary School.

To ensure the health and well-being of the evacuees, the PRC has distributed 495,000 liters of clean and safe water, more than 7,600 dust masks and conducted hygiene promotion to over 5,000 individuals.

Moreover, the PRC provided hygiene and sleeping kits to 1,900 families, hot meals to some 3,800 individuals, and psychosocial support to nearly 12,000 persons.