When the earth violently shook offshore of Maasim, Sarangani, on June 8, life changed in an instant for hundreds of thousands of Filipinos across Mindanao. The catastrophic magnitude 7.8 earthquake unleashed a terrifying Intensity VII shaking in General Santos City. Leaving a trail of destruction, tragic loss of life, and a population gripped by the fear of relentless aftershocks.
In total, the powerful tremor upended the lives of more than 173,000 families, leaving many provinces reeling and desperate for stability. Amid the rubble and ongoing anxiety.
However, a massive wave of humanitarian aid has begun to flow into the hardest-hit communities, offering a crucial lifeline to those who lost everything.
A Swift Response to Tragedy
In the wake of a devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that recently struck Mindanao, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has mobilized immediate relief operations. To alleviate the immediate suffering of displaced residents, the state-run gaming agency has dispatched approximately 10,500 food packs to the hardest-hit regions.
According to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, this timely intervention aims to support affected families as they navigate the immense hardships left behind by the disaster.
“During times of calamity, we assure our kababayans that PAGCOR is always ready to provide help,” Mr. Tengco said. “We hope and pray that affected individuals and families will soon be on their way to recovery and normalcy.”
Mapping Out the Aid Distribution
To ensure an organized and efficient rollout, the agency has strategically allocated the relief food pails across several severely impacted areas. Specifically, General Santos City, Mati City in Davao Oriental, and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region XII will each receive 3,000 food packs.
Meanwhile, the remaining 1,500 food pails are slated for distribution in the Second District of Davao Oriental, coursed directly through the office of Representative Cheeno Almario.
The Scale of the Disaster
The massive relief effort comes as a direct response to the catastrophic June 8 offshore earthquake that struck Maasim, Sarangani, triggering a violent Intensity VII shaking in General Santos City.
Consequently, the powerful tremor has upended the lives of more than 173,000 families. Today, multiple provinces continue to grapple with casualties, widespread property destruction, and the ongoing psychological toll of persistent aftershocks.
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