The Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies in Region XI (Arena XI) held relief operations to help the families and communities affected by Supertyphoon Odette (international codename Rai) in December.
The super typhoon devastated several areas in Visayas and Mindanao a week before Christmas, affecting over 7 million people.
It resulted in P11.1 billion damages in crops and farmland and another P17.5 billion damages to homes, roads and infrastructures, according to the latest government data.
Employees from different national government agencies (NGAs) gave their support to families affected by Odette through the Arena XI donation drive on December 28, 2021.
The collected donations included water, water gallons, rice, canned food, hygiene kits, clothes and materials for temporary shelter.
The relief goods were given by the following agencies in Region XI: Departments of Science and Technology, Health, Energy, Agrarian Reform (DAR), Trade and Industry, Education, and Public Works and Highways; Bureau of Fire Protection, National Economic and Development Authority, Commission on Audit, National Housing Authority, Bureau of Plant Industry-Davao National Crop Research, Development and Production Support Center, DAR Regional Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Professional Regulation Commission and Office of Civil Defense.
Arena XI President Dr. Anthony C. Sales, who is also the DOST XI regional director, spearheaded the turnover of the second batch of Arena XI donations to OCD XI on December 29, 2021 which was transported to Caraga Region for distribution to the affected communities.
“Thank you to all the NGAs who extended their support for this endeavor. From vaccination to donation drive, we stand ready to offer help and develop initiatives to support our people during this challenging time,” Sales said.
In October 2021, Arena XI also donated material support to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in facilities managed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology XI.
“Due to their environmental conditions, hygiene kits are a necessity most especially the PDLs are highly susceptible to contracting Covid-19. This is one way to address the lack of basic supplies of the PDLs while going through this pandemic,” Sales added.
S&T Media Services