PITMASTER Foundation is exerting extra effort to reach thousands of families affected by Typhoon “Odette” in Mindanao and the Visayas Region, coordinating with the Philippine Marines to achieve its objective.
Pitmaster Executive Director Atty. Caroline Cruz said the foundation saw an immediate need to seek the help of the Philippine Marines’ 72nd Marangal Batallion to expedite its relief operations in typhoon-ravaged provinces in Southern Philippines.
Cruz said she personally checked the actual situation in affected areas and found out that many roads had been destroyed by floods.
She lauded the Marines’ effort, which was not limited to transporting relief goods. The Marines also helped the foundation in the repacking of food and hygiene kits intended for the initial target of 100,000 families in Surigao, Bohol, Negros, and Palawan.
The foundation is anticipating more requests from local government units, which have been forwarding their requests for assistance to Pitmaster Chair Charlie “Atong” Ang.
“Because more LGUs are requesting for help from our chairman, we expect to provide relief to 100,000 more affected families within the next few days,” Cruz said.
Cruz did not reveal the cost of the foundation’s relief operations but its expenditure on rice, canned food, and hygiene kits may easily reach P45 million.
Pitmaster has its main distribution center in Cebu City due to its strategic location.
Cruz extended the Pitmaster’s gratitude to Easter Visayas Naval Reserve Commander Col. James Lugtu for offering his personnel and transport vehicles that resulted in speedy relief operations.
Pitmaster also extended help to families affected by typhoons in Metro Manila last year.
