Navy continues relief missions 3 months after 'Odette'

CEBU CITY – More than three months since the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, vessels from the Naval Forces Central (NFC) continue to transport relief goods to the affected areas in the Visayas and Mindanao, a Navy official said on Wednesday.

Lt. Junior Grade Frances Maye Macapinig, NFC’s public affairs officer, said in a statement the Philippine Navy in the Visayas remains committed to helping towns and cities that are still reeling from the effects of the typhoon in December last year.

Macapinig said the latest transport of relief goods was recently done by the Landing Craft 295 BRP Tausug which completed its mission of sending 66 tons of donated commodities and construction materials to Surigao City from March 11 to 14.

She said the vessel skippered by Commander Allan Roy Canilang hauled the relief items donated by the Tanging Yaman Foundation Inc. from the Ouano Wharf in Mandaue City to the Surigao City Port.

She said Navy Patrol Craft 371 BRP Enrique also delivered assorted relief goods from the main island of Lapu-Lapu City to the Guilutungan Island of Cordova town.

“The said activity was in coordination with the We Care Christian Center and Babag Church of Christ Center both of Cebu. Said relief items were composed of 126 sacks of rice and 200 bottles of 10-liter drinking water with a total weight of eight tons,” the Navy officer said.

The donated goods were received by barangay officials of Gilutongan Island for distribution to the typhoon victims.

Although three months have passed since the typhoon hit Cebu and other portions of the Visayas and Mindanao, the Navy, together with the partners, will continue to bring assistance and essential commodities to the “Odette” victims, especially those whose houses were damaged and those living in far-flung and demographically-isolated areas.

“The Visayas Command, through Naval Forces Central, is one with the LGUs and partner stakeholders in bringing prompt, responsive, and effective assistance to the communities affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette,” she said. (PNA)