The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has distributed more than P67 million worth of relief assistance to communities severely affected by back-to-back storms and massive flooding in Luzon last July.

So far, over 74,000 families across Metro Manila and various Luzon provinces have received food and non-food packs filled with essentials like rice, canned goods, noodles, coffee, hygiene kits and sleeping mats.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said that in just the last week of July, the agency delivered 41,000 relief packs — worth around P37 million — to residents of Zambales, Bulacan, Laguna, Mindoro, Rizal, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Olongapo City.

PAGCOR also handed care packages to the Tingog Partylist and the Office of Senator Lito Lapid to be distributed to their respective constituents.

Before that, and while heavy rains were still pounding many areas, PAGCOR had already dispatched P30.41 million worth of aid to affected residents in Manila, Quezon City, Marikina, Parañaque, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Bulacan, Occidental Mindoro, La Union and Laguna.

“Even after the rains stopped and the floodwaters receded, we knew the recovery wouldn’t be immediate,” Tengco said. “That’s why we continue to provide assistance to the hardest-hit areas. PAGCOR remains committed to helping these communities as they try to rebuild their lives.”

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino, whose office received 2,000 food and non-food packs on 31 July, said the assistance couldn’t have come at a better time.

“We’re truly grateful to PAGCOR for their concern for our people,” he said. “This is something we won’t forget. Your help goes a long way in our community’s recovery.”