The seven-day Tulong Kapatid relief drive served over 8,000 people housed in at least seven evacuation centers in the towns of Camalig, Guinobatan, Malilipot, and the cities of Ligao and Legazpi.
Latest data from Albay Public Safety Emergency and Management Office (Apsemo) indicate that there are still 17,346 families or 66,097 people housed in 60 evacuation centers in the towns of Malilipot, Bacacay, Sto. Domingo, Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, and the cities of Tabaco, Ligao and Legazpi.
According to Apsemo, evacuees living in the 10 villages that were assisted by Tulong Kapatid were located within the six- to seven-kilometer danger zone of Mayon, which began erupting last month.
Young students enjoy games on a cell phone during the relief drive organized by Tulong Kapatid at Malilipot Central Elementary School.
PSF manager Odette de Guzman said Alagang Kapatid had always been involved in various disaster relief operation in disaster-stricken areas, notably the Marawi siege, typhoons “Yolanda” in 2013, “Ondoy” in 2009, and “Sendong” in 2011.
De Guzman, who joined PSF after retiring from corporate work at PLDT, said as part of her stint in the foundation, she had been exposed to situations where people were in dire need of help.
“This is the work I love to do. In helping others I meet lots of people, those who have less in life. It’s a challenging but very fulfilling work for me,” Guzman said.
Asked how it felt to help people, Guzman’s response was: “People are appreciative when they receive the help they need. It is so heartwarming to hear them say, ‘salamat po at tinutulungan mo kami (thank you for helping us).’”
For Christopher Dizon, PLDT Bicol customer service operations zone chief, helping people is a touching experience. “You feel so accomplished seeing them smiling and appreciative of the small gesture you have given them,” he said.
