The Philippine gaming regulator-cum-operator, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), has begun relief operations for communities affected by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, including the distribution of 10,500 food packs to affected areas.
Pagcor’s chairman and chief executive, Alejandro Tengco, said the agency’s assistance was intended to help families cope with the impact of the disaster.
“During times of calamity, we assure our kababayans [compatriots] that Pagcor is always ready to provide help,” Mr Tengco was quoted as saying in a statement.
“We hope and pray that affected individuals and families will soon be on their way to recovery and normalcy,” he added.
According to the regulator, the relief goods will be distributed in General Santos City, Mati City in Davao Oriental and the second district of Davao Oriental, while the regional branch of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will also assist with the distribution.
The agency said 3,000 food packs would be allocated to each of General Santos City, Mati City and the OCD regional office, while another 1,500 packs would be distributed through the office of Davao Oriental representative Cheeno Almario.
The earthquake struck offshore Maasim in Sarangani province on June 8. The tremor was reported to have affected more than 173,000 families across a number of provinces in Mindanao, according to information cited by the regulator.
Local authorities have continued to deal with the aftermath of the disaster, including damage to infrastructure and recurring aftershocks.
