COTABATO CITY, (PNA) — Various agencies in the Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have initiated a relief campaign for the ongoing crisis in Zamboanga City that has displaced over 100,000 individuals.
So far, among the agencies that have extended assistance were the region’s Department of Education with two truckloads of rice; the Department of Science and Technology (used clothing and hygiene packs); Bureau of Fisheries and Natural Resources (33 sacks of rice, 400 bottles of 600-liter mineral water and 3,000 instant coffee sachets); and the Office of Civil Defense (mosquito nets, blankets and tarpaulin).
The National Food Authority–ARMM for its part has rolled out mobile NFA stores in the provinces of Sulu and Basilan to augment rice supply in the area.
“Though not part of the ARMM, the city of Zamboanga serves as the gateway to the ARMM island-provinces of Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-tawi so we somehow have a responsibility to help,” said Laisa Alamia, ARMM executive secretary.
Alamia said all relief provisions were coursed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development–ARMM for swift delivery to Zamboanga City.