PBA joins relief effort for calamity victims

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Basketball Association has joined the nationwide effort to help the people of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cope with the devastating aftermath of Tropical Storm “Sendong.”

More than a thousand people were killed or are missing in the worst flooding ever to hit northeastern Mindanao in more than four decades, and the PBA is doing its share to help alleviate the plight of those who lost their homes and loved ones.

The PBA board ordered the immediate release of P1 million to help sustain relief operations in the worst-hit areas with authorization from team owners of the league’s member corporations.

“The entire PBA family is deeply saddened by the tragedy that hit our brothers in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan,” said league commissioner Chito Salud. “The PBA will always be responsive to the needs of our less fortunate countrymen.”

The PBA had earlier released P100,000 for its partner Gawad Kalinga to help repair homes in the Gawad Kalinga Community affected by the calamity.

More than 10,000 houses were reportedly damaged when “Sendong” cut across Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and other areas in the dead of night over the weekend.