Red Cross Receives US$ 100,000 from US Government for Mayon Evacuees

MANILA, Dec. 31- The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) received a US$ 100,000 (about P47 million) from the United States Government in immediate disaster relief assistance to families displaced by Mayon volcano in Albay province, who are now in evacuation centers.

PNRC officials led by Chairman Sen. Richard J. Gordon and secretary general Gwendolyn Pang confirmed this to early Thursday. They thanked the US government for the help.

Late Wednesday, the United States government announced the release of disaster relief assistance, according to US Ambassador Kristie Kenney in an interview with reporters.

Released through the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to the and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the funds will support the purchase and distribution of food, shelter, water, and sanitation assistance for up to 47,000 people in Albay

"As a proud adopted daughter of Albay, I am particularly concerned about the well-being and health of the thousands of people in evacuation centers. We want to do all we can to help make sure relief agencies have vital resources to help serve those in need," Kenney said.

"I have spoken with Governor (Joey) Salceda of Albay and Senator Gordon of the Red Cross, and my embassy team is in constant contact with Philippine officials and NGO representatives to determine how we can help local residents at this difficult time," she added. (PNA)