PAL still helping Sendong victims

Philippine Airlines (PAL) continues to help victims of typhoon 'Sendong' more than a month since it began airlifting relief goods for free to Cagayan de Oro and Dumaguete.

With more donations still lined up for loading, particularly those from abroad, the PAL Foundation extended the free shipment of donations to February 15, in hopes of lifting the spirits of Sendong victims this coming Valentine's Day.

PAL Foundation executive director Menchu Sarmiento said PAL Cargo will continue to load donated goods from non-profit organizations, as instructed by PAL President Jaime J. Bautista who extended the PAL Disaster Response Initiative after it lapsed January 31.

Sarmiento said the PAL Foundation is still receiving donations from abroad as endorsed by different Philippine embassies.

"While others may have shifted their attention elsewhere, PAL remains committed and focused in assisting the typhoon victims by providing the fastest transport of goods critically needed in devastated areas," added Sarmiento.

PAL Cargo reported loading so far more than 23 tons of relief goods with Asia Brewery heading the list of shippers, sending much-needed bottled water immediately after typhoon Sendong wreaked havoc across Northern Mindanao and Central Visayas on December 17, 2011.

The Tan Yan Kee Foundation of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies also joined the initial batch of donors, with Chairman Lucio Tan personally directing relief efforts in Cagayan de Oro.

PAL Cargo has been ferrying 16 to 18 tons of relief goods daily, made up mostly of food, water, clothing, medicines to Cagayan de Oro City. The national flag carrier has five flights daily to the Northern Mindanao City and twice daily to Dumaguete.

Some 2,000 body bags from Taiwan had been airlifted, as well as four pallets of water treatment supplies and equipment brought in by a medical team from Vancouver, as well as half a ton of oral rehydration salts from San Francisco, USA.

PAL is the only airline in the domestic sector using wide-bodied aircraft, enabling it to carry up to 20 tons in its belly. PAL is also the preferred airfreight carrier for aquatic, agricultural and time-sensitive products for export, since the airline has the most direct flights to Asia, Australia, Canada and US.