Gordon to Iligan: “Hindi namin kayo pababayaan” as PRC deploys assets to save flood victims in Iligan

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) moved out affected residents from Brgy. Tubod to South 1 A Tubod Elementary School in a pre-emptive evacuation last March 07, 2022. After assessing the situation, PRC conducted the evacuation in anticipation of the flooding caused by a low-pressure area. PRC staff members and volunteers helped the Local Government Unit of Iligan City by removing from harm’s way more than 1,600 families or a total of 5,187 individuals, by conveying them to 5 (five) different evacuation centers in the area.

For the past several days, Iligan City has experienced heavy rainfall that caused the Merila bridge to collapse. In response, PRC dispatched three personnel with rescue equipment to conduct an evaluation and possible rescue operation to those affected areas. PRC local chapters in Iligan City are on standby and are mobilizing additional manpower in case the situation worsens.

PRC Chairman and CEO Sen. Dick Gordon ordered the immediate deployment of a PRC water tanker because of contaminated water sources. “We must be swift in responding to emergencies. Hindi na kami bago pagdating sa disaster, kailangan bago pa lang maging bagyo ay and ana tayo sa anumang dulot nito. We must be prepared at all times upang maiwasan na tayo ay ma-trap dahil sa matinding pagbaha at pag-guho ng lupa. Kaya naman maaaga pa lang ay ini-evacuate na natin ang mga residente,” Gordon said.

Senator Gordon says that the PRC National Headquarters has already been directed to deploy its Hot Meals On Wheels food truck to the affected areas to provide nutritious cooked meals to those affected. The PRC food trucks can feed 100 people per hour. As of today, a total of 3,606 evacuees are currently at the new and old barangay halls of Brgy. Abuno and at the South 1 Elementary School, Brgy. Tubod, Iligan City were given hot meals composed of bread, cooked eggs, and champorado.

“Kikilos ang Red Cross para sa ating mga kababayan na apektado ng baha diyan sa Iligan, hindi naming kayo pababayaan,” added Gordon.

PRC local chapters are on standby and are mobilizing additional manpower in case the storm and flooding conditions takes a turn for the worse. PRC is committed to alleviating human suffering and uplifting the dignity of the people at all times. Truly abiding by its mantra of Volunteeers + Logistics + Information Technology equals a Red Cross that is always first, always ready, and always there in every situation where help is needed.