Military and Civil Society Join Forces to Aid Typhoon Ulysses Victims in Cagayan Valley

Strategic Insights -

In response to the devastating impact of Typhoon Ulysses, the military and civil society have come together to provide aid to families displaced by the flooding in the Cagayan Valley region. A cargo plane was loaded with over 2,000 kg of donations, including non-food items, clothing, and food, which were collected from local governments and private sector organizations in Cagayan de Oro City and other parts of northern Mindanao. The donations were then transported to Tuguegarao City, where they will be distributed to those in need.

Key Takeaways:

  • The military's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) collected a total of 740 sacks and boxes of clothes, including 422 blankets and towels, 283 boxes of canned and assorted goods, and 38 sacks of rice.
  • The donations also included 500 water jars, 61 bags and boxes of personal hygiene kits and face masks, and 1,351 pieces of kitchenware and cleaning agents.
  • The donation drive, dubbed "Cagayan de Oro Helps Cagayan Valley," received donations from at least 12 individuals and 10 civil society groups, drawing donors not just from Cagayan de Oro City but also from local governments in Gingoog City, Oroquieta City, Talakag town in Bukidnon, and Dumalinao town in Zamboanga del Sur.
  • Journalist Froilan Gallardo, one of the planners of the donation drive, stated that the donations "came from the heart" because many of those involved had also been affected by Typhoon Sendong in 2011.
  • Mayor Erick Canosa of Gingoog City expressed his city's willingness to help the survivors of Ulysses in Cagayan Valley, stating, "We are here, giving an opportunity to our fellowmen affected by Ulysses in Cagayan Valley, so they will feel that we are here, willing to help them."
  • The 4ID commander, Maj. Gen. Andres Centino, was praised for his leadership and swift response to the call for donations, which accumulated rapidly in just a few days.

Statistics:

  • The cargo plane carried 47 boxes of non-food items and 50 boxes of food, all weighing at least 2,000 kg.
  • The donations included 1,351 pieces of kitchenware and cleaning agents.
  • A total of 740 sacks and boxes of clothes were collected, including 422 blankets and towels.
  • 283 boxes of canned and assorted goods were donated.
  • 38 sacks of rice were contributed.
  • 500 water jars were included in the donations.
  • 61 bags and boxes of personal hygiene kits and face masks were donated.
  • The donations were transported to Tuguegarao City, where they will be distributed to those in need.

Sources:

  • "Military aircraft lands in Lumbia to pick up food, other donations for Ulysses-hit Cagayan Valley" (no date specified)
  • "Cagayan de Oro Helps Cagayan Valley" (no date specified)