More aid sent to Ruby-hit areas

CEBU, Philippines - Six days after repacking started at the Visayas region’s relief hub in Cebu, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has transported at least 60,000 family food packs to both northern Cebu and Eastern Visayas.

As of 12 p.m. yesterday, local government units in Cebu affected by typhoon Ruby received 42,722 packs.

According to DSWD-7, the local government units in northern Cebu include Sogod, Daanbantayan, Tabogon, Tabuelan, San Francisco, Liloan, Sta. Fe, Borbon, Samboan, Poro, Pilar, Catmon, Tuburan, Medellin, Tudela, Mandaue, Cordova, and Bantayan.

Meanwhile, a vessel of the Naval Forces Central (NAVFORCEN) ferried the relief packs to island localities off Cebu like Camotes islands and Bantayan islands.

In Eastern Samar, the Philippine Air Force airlifted the goods to the towns of Borongan and Catarman, and to as far as Tacloban City in Leyte province.

In an earlier interview, Office of the Civil Defense-7 Director Olivia Luces said relief packing and operations will continue as typhoon-affected residents in the Visayas region have yet to fully recover.

Furthermore, National Food Authority administrator Renan Dalisay visited Thursday the ongoing relief packing at the Cebu International Convention Center  accompanied by Regional Director Danilo Bonabon and received by DSWD 7 Director Mercedita Jabagat.

Apart from CICC, two other relief packing sites are also being facilitated by DSWD 7.

The Cebu Archdiocese Relief and Rehabilitation Unit led by RRU chief Fr. Charles Jayme is likewise packing relief at the covered court inside the Archbishop’s Residence. – Jessa J. Agua/JMO (FREEMAN)