Red Cross gives cash grant to Typhoon ‘Ompong’ victims

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) through the local Provincial Red Cross Chapter recently   provided cash grant to 543 families in the province affected by typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut) last September.

Provincial Red Cross Chapter Administrator Oscar Paris said the IFRC extends support to its counterparts as part of their capacitation efforts in various parts of the world during disasters.

Paris said affected families from the towns of Bokod, Buguias and Tuba whose houses were partially and completely damaged were the recipients of the cash grant of P3, 500.00. 

The PRC, in partnership with the IFRC and Red Crescent Societies.  distributed the multi-purpose cash grants to the 86 recipients of Bokod     on December 4 at Bokod Municipal Hall; 230 from Buguias on Dec. 5 at Buguias Municipal Hall; and the 227 beneficiaries   from Tuba   on Dec. 7 at the Tuba municipal grounds.

 Paris said they can use the money to purchase their choice of essential household, personal items and other immediate needs unconditionally.

 Buguias Municipal Social Welfare Officer Tina Caleon appreciated the cash grant extended to the beneficiaries in the town.   Connie Manman, a beneficiary, said”the P3, 500.00 is a big help for us.”

 Bokod Mayor Thomas Wales Jr is likewise grateful for the time and effort of the donors and volunteers from the local Red Cross Chapter and the IFRC and Red Crescent Societies for the help offered to the affected communities.

He told the beneficiaries “to use the cash for your own good.”

 Tuba Vice Mayor Maria Carantes appreciated what the local chapter has done to help the municipality. She advised the beneficiaries to “use the cash to start or to buy something for your family.”

“I will use this to buy materials for us to start repairing our house,” recipient Benis Nardo said.

Other Cordillera   provinces are also recipients of the IFRC grants such as Kalinga with 571 beneficiaries, Apayao with 507 and Ifugao with   434. -- JDP/SCA-PIA CAR, Benguet