To help the victims of the recent earthquake in Cebu, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) turned over abandoned and forfeited goods to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
The donation, which came mostly from the Manila International Container Port (MICP), includes 56 pieces of Rapid Emergency Tents and 1,087 pieces of assorted tents to serve as temporary shelters, 50 units of mobile power supply to provide electricity in affected areas, and one bio-toilet unit to ensure proper sanitation for displaced residents.
The donated items were declared abandoned and subsequently forfeited in favor of the government. In line with customs procedures and upon approval, these goods were officially released and turned over to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to support its ongoing relief and recovery efforts.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, who previously served as Undersecretary of the Department of National Defense and Administrator of the OCD, emphasized the significance of ensuring that government resources are directed to the people in times of crisis.
“Having worked with the OCD in the past, alam ko po firsthand kung gaano kahalaga na mabilis, maayos, at diretso ang tulong sa mga kababayan nating nasalanta.”
“In moments like this, every donation can make a difference for our countrymen who have lost their homes and security. Having worked with the OCD in the past, alam ko po firsthand kung gaano kahalaga na mabilis, maayos, at diretso ang tulong sa mga kababayan nating nasalanta,” Nepomuceno said.
Aside from the forfeited items, BOC officials and personnel also donated over 100 sacks of rice to support food assistance efforts.
MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba expressed his full support for the initiative, reaffirming the Port’s commitment to utilizing abandoned and forfeited goods for the benefit of the public.
“Through this donation, we hope to extend help and bring comfort to our fellow Filipinos in Cebu who are recovering from this calamity.”
“The Manila International Container Port stands in full support of the BOC’s thrust to transform abandoned goods into opportunities for service. Through this donation, we hope to extend help and bring comfort to our fellow Filipinos in Cebu who are recovering from this calamity,” Torralba added.
The OCD will handle the distribution of the donated items to affected families in Cebu, ensuring that they reach communities most in need.
This partnership highlights the coordination of government agencies to maximize resources and deliver timely support during emergencies.
