The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will provide Php 26.6 million worth of 'Alternatibong Pangkabuhayan' (Livelihood Recovery Program) to 1,850 families who were severely affected by typhoons Pedring and Quiel in Pampanga, Bulacan and Isabela.
This is the second phase of the 'Alternatibong Pangkabuhayan' provided by the Red Cross as part of its recovery program for disaster-stricken families.
The turn-over of the 'Alternatibong Pangkabuhayan' will be led by PRC Chairman Richard Gordon and PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang, whose objective is to uplift the dignity of the suffering typhoon-affected families more than a year after the disaster hit the three provinces.
The 'Alternatibong Pangkabuhayan' will provide Php 10,000.00 each for 500 families in Pampanga, 500 families in Bulacan and 850 families in Isabela.
36-year old Gina De Guzman, one of the recipients of the first phase said that the 'Alternatibong Pangkabuhayan' is a big help to their family. Gina said they used the first phase of the 'Alternatibong Pangkabuhayan' to start a small fishing business (tinapa-making) in the province.
"With our income, we are able to send our two children to school. Thanks to Red Cross," Gina said.
The 'Alternatibong Pangkabuhayan' is with the support of the Australian Red Cross and the Australian Agency for International Development (Australian AID), both of which have been strong partner of PRC in alleviating suffering, especially in times of disaster.
The beneficiary families were among the identified vulnerable group by the Red Cross including single parents, persons with disability and the elderly who have lost their means of livelihood to the disaster.
Gordon said Red Cross assistance should not end with rescue and relief aid. It must also include rehabilitation and recovery of the people to bring back their dignity.
"Dignity is what builds the character and self-respect of every man," Gordon said adding, "Even disaster should not take that away from them."
The Red Cross thanked all its partners including the local government and other agencies as well as the volunteers who helped in the smooth implementation of the 'Alternatibong Pangkabuhayan'.