PAGCOR distributed over 21,000 relief packs to residents affected by Typhoon Ofel in Apayao, Cagayan, Isabela, and Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) launched a major relief operation to assist residents of Northern Luzon who have been severely impacted by Typhoon Ofel.
The initial distribution, which began on Friday, November 15, 2024, targeted some of the hardest-hit provinces, such as Apayao, Cagayan, Isabela, and Ilocos Norte. PAGCOR prepared and distributed over 21,000 relief packs to address the immediate needs of those suffering from the storm’s aftermath.
The province of Apayao received 1,000 relief packs, while Cagayan, one of the worst-hit areas, was allocated 2,000 packs. Isabela, which also bore the brunt of Typhoon Ofel’s fury, received 5,000 packs. The coastal town of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte was another key recipient, with 2,000 relief packages distributed there.
The relief packs included both food and non-food supplies, aimed at providing essential aid to the affected communities.
Typhoon Ofel, which was the 15th tropical cyclone to hit the country this year, left a trail of devastation in its wake, particularly in the northern provinces of the Philippines. PAGCOR's relief initiative is a response to the urgent needs of displaced families in the affected areas.
However, PAGCOR’s efforts did not stop with the initial distribution. A total of 11,000 additional food and non-food packs are scheduled for delivery to the most affected municipalities in Cagayan. These areas include Aparri, Baggao, Ballesteros, Buguey, Calayan, Sanchez Mira, and Santa Teresita—towns that suffered significant damage and where many residents have been left without basic necessities.
PAGCOR’s relief operation is being coordinated in close partnership with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to ensure that aid reaches the most remote and vulnerable communities. Alejandro H. Tengco, the Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, emphasized the importance of this collaboration to ensure that the aid distribution is swift and effective.
"We have been in constant coordination with the Office of Civil Defense to facilitate the distribution of these relief aids to severely affected communities," said Tengco. "We understand the need of these local communities to receive all the help they can get and enable them to rise above their dire situation."
Tengco also noted that even at the height of Typhoon Ofel, PAGCOR had been actively working with local government units (LGUs) to ensure that assistance reached the people who needed it most. "We have been actively working with affected LGUs to determine the number of displaced families that needed help and to ensure that no community is left behind,” he added.
The disaster relief efforts have focused on delivering food, water, hygiene kits, and other essential supplies to those displaced by the storm. Many of the affected areas are still reeling from the destruction of homes, farmland, and infrastructure. In Cagayan alone, reports indicate that Typhoon Ofel caused an estimated P1.4 billion in damage to the province’s agricultural sector, with crops, livestock, and fisheries hit hardest.
Super Typhoon Ofel, which made landfall earlier in November, brought intense rainfall and winds, triggering floods and landslides in several regions of Northern Luzon. Hundreds of families were forced to evacuate their homes as rivers overflowed and roads became impassable. The storm left behind extensive damage to infrastructure, disrupting electricity and communication lines in many areas.
PAGCOR’s response to this crisis is part of its broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. As of now, PAGCOR’s efforts are focused on immediate relief, but the agency also plans to support the affected communities in their long-term recovery. The government is working alongside PAGCOR and other agencies to provide additional resources for rebuilding efforts, including financial aid for families who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
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