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The Bureau of Customs turned over abandoned and forfeited goods to the Office of Civil Defense for distribution to families affected by the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu
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The donation included 1,143 tents, 50 mobile power units, and one bio-toilet unit, mostly from the Manila International Container Port
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BOC personnel also contributed over 100 sacks of rice
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The OCD will handle the distribution of the relief items
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has turned over abandoned and forfeited goods to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) for distribution to families affected by the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu.
The donation, sourced primarily from the Manila International Container Port (MICP), includes 56 rapid emergency tents, 1,087 assorted tents, 50 mobile power supply units, and one bio-toilet unit to provide temporary shelter, electricity, and sanitation to displaced residents.
The items, previously declared abandoned and forfeited in favor of the government, were released in accordance with customs procedures and officially handed over to the OCD to support ongoing relief operations.
READ: BOC chief orders livestreaming of forfeited, abandoned goods disposal
In addition, BOC officials and employees contributed over 100 sacks of rice.
Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, who formerly served as undersecretary of the Department of National Defense and administrator of the OCD, underscored the importance of delivering swift aid to affected communities.
“In moments like this, every donation makes a difference for our countrymen who have lost their homes and their sense of security. Having worked with the OCD before, I know firsthand how vital it is that aid reaches affected families quickly, efficiently and directly,” Nepomuceno said in a press release.
MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba said the port fully supports the BOC’s efforts to convert forfeited goods into public assistance. “Through this donation, we hope to extend help and bring comfort to our fellow Filipinos in Cebu who are recovering from this calamity,” he said.
The OCD will oversee distribution of donated items to affected families in Cebu, prioritizing communities with the greatest need. The arrangement underscores interagency coordination to pool resources and ensure timely, efficient support during emergencies.
READ: PPA assures steady flow of Cebu relief goods; activates Typhoon Paolo response
