The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), the local government unit (LGU) and residents came together for a Bayanihan in delivering potable drinking water to Barangay Santa Fe in the town of San Marcelino, Zambales on 10 September 2026.

Barangay Santa Fe was isolated when a bridge was destroyed last month by strong river currents from continuous heavy rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon, isolating the area from the rest of San Marcelino.

The crossing connecting the northern and southern portions of the community was damaged, making it difficult and hazardous for vehicles to pass.

With the community’s water source also compromised, bringing safe drinking water to affected families has required a different approach.

On September 10, Philippine Red Cross responders, the local government, and residents worked together to pass 10-liter jerry cans filled with drinking water by hand across the damaged crossing, moving the supplies closer to families on the other side.

"People need help now. If we cannot bring the assistance through the usual way, we find another way. We will do what is necessary to reach the people who need us," said Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

Through its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) team, the Philippine Red Cross deployed 2,000 10-liter jerry cans intended for 1,000 affected families. On September 10 alone, 650 families received drinking water, while 1,253 individuals were served hot meals.

Philippine Red Cross teams also provided health consultations to 47 individuals, reached 650 people through health and hygiene promotion, and conducted one Child-Friendly Space session that reached 89 individuals. A First Aid Station and a Welfare Station were also established in the community.

Across Zambales, the Philippine Red Cross has so far provided 5,860 hot meals, treated 53 individuals through its First Aid Stations, conducted health teaching for 2,610 individuals, provided 47 health consultations, reached 3,260 individuals through hygiene promotion, and distributed hygiene kits to 2,046 individuals. Its Child-Friendly Spaces have reached 1,604 individuals, while 32 people have received welfare assistance. Two ambulance mobilizations have also supported the response.

"In Sta. Fe, the road may be damaged, but the effort to reach the people is not. When the usual way is no longer possible, the Philippine Red Cross and the community find another way to get help through," Chairman Gordon said.