Tzu Chi Extends Assistance to Ormoc Sea Mishap Victims

Tacloban City (PNA) — The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation has provided relief to victims of Ormoc sea mishap.

Tzu Chi volunteers gave out thermal blankets and PHP3,000 cash assistance to survivors, who did not suffer injuries, PHP5,000 to survivors who were sent to hospitals, and PHP5,000 as burial assistance to the family members who lost their love ones.

Tzu Chi Philippines chief executive officer Alfredo Li has led in comforting family members. Volunteers were deployed at the seaport few hours after reports broke out about the incident.

“We will continue to provide assistance to the victims,” the group said in a statement.

With 61 deaths, 145 survivors Tzu Chi is expected to release more financial assistance.

The foundation has been known in the province considering that it was the first group to implement cash-for-work program for super typhoon Yolanda victims in Tacloban and nearby towns.

They later distributed financial assistance to families badly hit by the storm ranging from PHP8,000 up to PHP15,000 a month after the catastrophe.

Tzu Chi Foundation (tzu chi means compassionate relief) is a non-profit organization founded in 1966 by Dharma Master Cheng Yen in the impoverished east coast of Taiwan.

Established in 1994 in the country, the foundation has been providing relief to victims of tragedies through its network of volunteers and workers. (PNA) FFC/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA