MANILA: The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) has launched a significant relief operation for regions devastated by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, distributing an initial 5,000 relief packs out of a planned 53,000. The relief efforts are focused on the Bicol Region, Northern Luzon, and Calabarzon, areas severely impacted by the storm.
According to Philippines News Agency, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco announced that since October 24, volunteer teams have been actively preparing and distributing relief supplies to communities affected by flooding. Although many major roads were initially impassable due to the storm, the first batch of relief items was dispatched while Kristine continued to affect parts of the country.
The City of Lipa in Batangas was the first to receive aid, with 2,000 food and non-food packs delivered on October 24. Additionally, PAGCOR donated 3,000 relief packs to the Angat Buhay Foundation, led by former Vice President Leni Robredo, for distribution in Naga City
, which faced severe flash floods.
Tengco emphasized the ongoing coordination with local government units and agencies such as the Office of the Civil Defense to facilitate the safe and timely delivery of relief supplies. The Bicol region, heavily impacted by the storm, is set to receive over 24,000 relief packs, with distribution planned for Albay, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte.
Further relief operations are intended for the provinces of Apayao, La Union, Quezon, Rizal, and Vigan City in Ilocos Sur, as PAGCOR continues its efforts to support displaced communities in the aftermath of the storm.