The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has distributed 2,000 "ChariTimba" food buckets to families in two calamity-stricken municipalities in the Bicol Region as part of its disaster assistance initiatives.

PCSO Director Jennifer Guevarra led the turnover ceremony on Thursday, 16 January 2025, at the agency's main office in Mandaluyong City. A total of 1,000 food buckets were handed over to Santa Magdalena, Sorsogon Mayor Mark Lozano, while another 1,000 were given to Sipocot, Camarines Sur Vice Mayor Felix Macalino III.

The food assistance was allocated to households severely affected by recent disasters. Santa Magdalena’s farming communities suffered significant losses due to prolonged rainfall and flash floods, while residents of Sipocot continue to recover from the devastation caused by Typhoon Kristine in 2024.

In addition to the food aid, PCSO awarded educational grants to 40 college students from the two municipalities. The grants aim to help students from disaster-affected families sustain their education amidst financial hardships.

Mayor Lozano and Vice Mayor Macalino expressed gratitude to the PCSO, emphasizing the importance of the aid in alleviating the struggles of their constituents.

The donation forms part of PCSO’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) by supporting disaster-stricken communities and addressing their immediate needs.