RP Energy organizes relief efforts for Zambales flood victims
Over 2,700 families from 16 barangays in Subic and Olongapo City affected by the severe monsoon floods received relief goods and assistance through Operation Habagat organized by power company Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy).
More than 150 individuals volunteered in the relief operations across several evacuation centers in the municipality of Subic and Olongapo City.
On the other hand, affected families in the towns of San Felipe and San Antonio, Zambales were assisted by RP Energy through the Provincial Disaster Risk Management Office. Each relief bag contained food supplies to help affected residents and evacuees weather the lack of available food resources.
According to RP Energy project manager Grant Smith, “RP Energy is committed to the safety and welfare of its host and surrounding communities and we will make every effort to assist in times of calamity”. Operation Habagat partners included the Provincial Government of Zambales, the One Meralco Foundation, Department of Social Welfare and Development Olongapo City, Municipal Government of Subic, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Subic Chamber of Commerce, SBMA Rotary Club, Rotaract Subic and the US Peace Corps.
RP Energy Corporate Social Responsibility officer Victor Chan said, “We are grateful that several NGOs and civic-minded residents heeded Operation Habagat and responded to the needs of flood victims.”
The provinces of Zambales and Bataan were declared under a state of calamity after being hit by torrential rainfall brought about by the southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoon Haikui. The enhanced weather disturbance also caused widespread flooding in the capital of Manila submerging 80% of the metropolis. Every year, more than 20 typhoons batter the country.
The Olongapo City’s Department of Social Welfare office said that around 500 families were evacuated while Zambales reported that 5,411 families from 61 barangays in eight towns were moved to evacuation centers.
