MANDALUYONG CITY -- Help for Batanes arrived a day earlier than expected as the Everwin III Cargo Vessel arrived at the Basco Batanes Port by 3 PM last September 25, 2021. The vessel is carrying relief items for the typhoon-battered island.

Earlier this week, the Provincial Government of Batanes have formally asked the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), through its Chairman and CEO, Sen. Dick Gordon, to extend assistance in a provincial resolution unanimously approved last Wednesday, September 22, 2021. But prior to this, anticipating the need of the province, Chairman Gordon had already instructed the PRC to gather aid and supplies, and transport these to the port for loading onto a vessel bound for Batanes. Thus, on Monday and Tuesday, the 20th and 21st of September, the PRC was already hard at work facilitating the preparation and loading of the goods.

On September 11, 2021, the province was battered by Super Typhoon Kiko, with sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour. Kiko left Batanes with massive destruction to infrastructures and livelihood, forcing the local government to declare a state of calamity.

The PRC Batanes Chapter reported 491 damaged houses while 1,679 were partially damaged with assessments still being conducted by volunteers and staff.

Sen. Dick Gordon assured the province of aid. "The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is more than willing to extend assistance to the province of Batanes as we did in response to Super Typhoon Ferdie (Meranti) in 2016 and the magnitude 5.9 earthquake in 2019. Help is already on the way to Batanes," said Gordon

Before the onslaught of Typhoon Kiko, the PRC anticipated its effects and instructed volunteers to conduct preparedness efforts to help the communities. After the storm, Sen. Gordon quickly ordered an assessment which resulted in a shipment of relief items to the island province last September 22, 2021.

The shipment includes 1,000 pieces of tarpaulins to be used as temporary shelters for families with damaged houses, 1,000 pieces of Jerry cans or water containers, 500 sets of shelter tool kits, 1,500 flashlights, 263 solar bulbs, and 20 sets of family tents. The cargo also contains 50 sacks of rice to support the local government's food distribution.

The PRC Batanes Chapter will also receive a motorcycle, two (2) portable generator units, a portable speaker, hard hats, face masks, and vitamins to support the typhoon operations in the province.

"Our service knows no bounds, not even this raging pandemic nor the waters we need to cross can stop the Philippine Red Cross from being always first, always ready, and always there to alleviate the suffering of our countrymen. I remain with you in the service of God and country," PRC Chairman Gordon further responded. (Philippine Red Cross)

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