CAMARINES SUR, Bicol—As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, PNOC extended assistance to 520 families in Camarines Sur by distributing rice sacks on December 19, 2024. The relief effort focused on the communities of Brgy. Consosep in the municipality of Tigaon, and Brgy. Del Carmen and Brgy. Sibaguan in the municipality of Sagñay, providing aid to families still recovering from the devastation caused by recent natural disasters.
The outreach program was in line with Malacañang’s directive encouraging government agencies to scale down holiday celebrations and redirect savings to assist communities affected by calamities. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin urged government employees to adopt austerity during Christmas festivities and prioritize helping the less fortunate, especially those severely impacted by six consecutive typhoons that hit the country since October. In response, PNOC chose to forgo its annual Christmas party, reallocating its budget to bring relief to disaster-stricken areas.
Despite the logistical challenges of traveling over 16 hours by land and facing inclement weather, PNOC representatives remained steadfast in their commitment to personally deliver aid to the affected families. During the event, PNOC expressed gratitude to Sagñay Mayor John Vincent Fuentebella, Tigaon Mayor Pamela Rinah Fuentebella, barangay officials, and the community for their warm reception and invaluable support in ensuring the success of the initiative.
PNOC Public Relations Officer IV Sharina Mariz Walde underscored the importance of the outreach program, noting, “Alam po naming mahirap ang pinagdaanan ng inyong lugar noong mga nakaraang buwan dahil sa mga sunod-sunod na bagyo kung kaya’t naniniwala kaming ang pagkakataong ito ay isang magandang oportunidad upang magbigay tulong sa mga nangangailangan.” [We understand that your area has faced difficult challenges in the past months due to consecutive typhoons, which is why we believe this is a great opportunity to extend help to those in need.]
The team likewise emphasized the meaningful choice of rice as a form of aid, highlighting its cultural and symbolic significance. “Bigas din po ang napili naming ipamahagi dahil simbolo po ito ng pag-asa, pagkakaisa, blessing, at prosperity, para sa susunod na taon, nawa’y maging masagana ang pamumuhay ng bawat isa sa atin,” [We chose to distribute rice because it symbolizes hope, unity, blessings, and prosperity. We hope that in the coming year, everyone’s life will be more prosperous.] Walde added.
The outreach program not only provided immediate relief but also symbolized a collective commitment to recovery and rebuilding. Reflecting the values of PNOC’s ‘Armily’ culture—a blend of the words ‘Army’ and ‘Family’—the initiative emphasized unity, resilience, and shared responsibility.
