The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) recently donated P1 million to the SOS Children’s Village Inc. under its Institutional Partnership Program (IPP).

In a statement, PCSO general manager Melquiades Robles said that he, along with assistant general manager for Charity Sector Arnel Casas and department manager Orlando Malaca, presented the check to SOS Children’s Village director Raymond Rimando in a ceremony at the PCSO main office.

Rimando said the funds would be used for the food and medical needs of the children residing in the village.

SOS Children’s Village provides a family-like environment and stability for children who have lost their parents or can no longer live with their families and it focuses on supporting the children’s development in areas such as education and health.

It also assists struggling families in nearby communities to prevent family breakdowns and child abandonment. These families receive livelihood support until they achieve self-reliance.

The IPP enables the PCSO to provide financial assistance to eligible organizations to help cover essential expenses such as food, medicine and other costs for patients and residents of welfare institutions.

In other developments, the PCSO distributed 2,000 “Charitimba” or food buckets to residents of Bongabon and San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija led by PCSO board members Janet Mercado and Imelda Papin, in collaboration with PCSO Nueva Ecija branch manager Moriel Blanco.

PWDs among beneficiaries

In Bongabon, the distribution took place at the Agricultural Trading Post in Barangay Curva with the support of Mayor Ricardo Padilla, while in San Leonardo, the event was held at the San Leonardo Gymnasium, with assistance from Mayor Froilan Nagaño.

Beneficiaries included persons with disability, senior citizens, solo parents and indigent families.

Each Charitimba contained essential grocery items to address the immediate needs of vulnerable sectors in these communities.

The activity falls under the PCSO’s Corporate Social Responsibility program.

Meantime, the PCSO concluded a two-day medical and dental mission in the municipality of Pio Duran, Albay.

A total of 309 residents benefited from the free medical and dental services. The services included free consultations, electrocardiograms, and tooth extractions. The PCSO also distributed medicines and vitamins.