Relief Mission in Catanduanes

Catanduanes, one of the provinces hardest hit by Super Typhoon Pepito, was left reeling from widespread devastation. Homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods were destroyed, leaving countless families in dire need. As soon as communication lines were restored, the RC Makati Disaster Relief Team, led by Dir. Chris Ferareza and Dir. Johnny Ang, responded swiftly to an urgent call for assistance from RC Virac.

On November 22, the team sprang into action, with CoS Ron Dotaro arriving in Virac early in the morning. He was met at the airport by RC Virac members, including Pres. Aurora Araojo and PP Betia Aquino-de Leon. Together, they proceeded to the Immaculate Conception Seminary, where relief goods were repacked with the support of Bishop Luisito Ocsiano.

From there, the team made the arduous two-hour journey north to Pandan, navigating through scenes of destruction—houses, posts, and trees reduced to rubble.

The first stop was at St. Ignatius Parish, where 450 food packs, donated by RC Naga, were distributed to families whose lives were upended by the typhoon. The next stop was at Mary Mother of Good Counsel Parish, where relief goods were distributed to 300 families in Brgy. Tariwara. The remaining supplies were turned over to the parish for further distribution to Brgys. Canlubi, Hiyok, and Baldok, ensuring that help reached even more affected families.

In total, RC Makati, in partnership with RC Virac, facilitated the distribution of relief goods to 750 families, amounting to approximately P250,000. The funding for this vital initiative came from the generous contributions of RC Makati members that reached over P900,000 earlier this month.