Whirlwind month for PCSO sees thousands of 'ChariTimba,' medical equipment distributed

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) kicked off 2025 with a series of charitable activities across the country, benefiting thousands of Filipinos through medical assistance, food aid, and educational support.

Medical support and assistive devices distribution

On 20 January 2025, the PCSO turned over essential medical equipment at the PCSO Conservatory Building in Mandaluyong City. Assistant General Manager for Charity Sector Arnel N. Casas led the turnover of 50 wheelchairs, 20 thermal scanners, and 20 pulse oximeters to the Cooperative NATCCO Partylist, represented by Mr. Gerardo Esnares. The equipment will be distributed to persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the country.

On the same day, another 50 wheelchairs were handed over to the office of Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr., with Representative John Bengco receiving the items for senior citizens and PWD beneficiaries. Through its CSR Program, PCSO continues to provide assistive devices like wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and medical supplies to qualified local government units and civic groups.

Emergency aid for disaster-affected communities

Also on 20 January, PCSO donated 300 Go-bags to Barangay Bagongbayan in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte. The turnover ceremony was led by AGM Casas, with Barangay Captain Jason Arriola accepting the emergency kits, which will be distributed to residents affected by successive typhoons in the Bicol region. Arriola expressed gratitude to PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles and the PCSO Board for their timely support.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami kay GM Melquiades A. Robles sa ipinagkaloob na mga Go-bags na agaran po naming ipamimigay sa mga residenteng naapektuhan ng sunod-sunod na bagyo sa lalawigan ng Bicol. Maraming salamat din po sa bumubuo ng Board at naway pagpalain po ang inyong generosity at tulong sa mga nangangailangan natin mga kababayan," Arriola said.

Food aid and educational assistance in Bulacan and Batangas

On 22 January 2025, PCSO distributed 2,000 "ChariTimba" food buckets to residents of Rosario and Taysan in Batangas province. The distribution was spearheaded by PCSO Chairman Judge (Ret.) Felix Reyes, who, alongside local officials, ensured the smooth delivery of 1,000 food buckets to each municipality. Additionally, 40 college students from Rosario and Taysan received educational grants aimed at easing the financial burden on their families and supporting their academic pursuits.

Just two days later, on 24 January PCSO extended its charitable efforts to San Rafael, Bulacan. At the Victory Coliseum, 1,000 ChariTimba food buckets were distributed under the leadership of PCSO Director Jennifer Liongson-Guevara. The event also featured the awarding of 20 educational grants to deserving students and a medical-dental mission that provided free health services to residents.

A unified commitment to public service

These activities were made possible through collaboration with local government units, including the municipalities of San Rafael, Rosario, and Taysan. Local leaders such as Mayor Cholo Violago, Vice Mayor Marilyn Veneracion, and Councilor Jolo Viceo in Bulacan, as well as Mayor Leovy Morpe and Mayor Edilberto Abaday in Batangas, played key roles in facilitating the programs.

By fostering partnerships with local government units and civic organizations, PCSO continues to be a beacon of hope and support for communities in need.