The Davao Chapter of the Philippine Red Cross has unveiled what it called a disaster ‘Food Truck’ to serve hot meals during disaster operation.
Engr. Rogelio Aca Jr., chapter administrator said that Philippine Red Cross is promoting its latest mobile unit to complement disaster operations.
The Disaster food truck project is a Local Red cross initiative that was conceived in 2013 and completed in 2017 with the able support of generous donors.
“This new development of the PRC Davao Chapter with the help of our donors we have successfully assembled by the Manila-based Bestbuy Companym” said Eduardo Robillo, chairman of the board of directors of PRC Davao Chapter.
According to Robillo they have raised 1.6 million from the donors and the other is from subsides with the chapter for the Disaster Food Truck project.
“This truck is like a mini kitchen that serves hot meals if there is an emergency,” said Robillo
Robillo said that its impetus was triggered by the large scale need for immediate food assistance in the aftermath of typhoon Bopha/Pablo in 2012 and during the major local disasters in the past.
“The DFT is a giving hot meals to our monetary workers and survivors during emergencies,” added Ritchestar Renacia- Barba, DFT in-charge and focal person for welfare services.
Barba said that it is design to quickly prepare hot meals on scene for distribution to disaster victims and the responders as well.
She added that it is equipped with a pair of LPG- or diesel-fired kitchen stove and steam cooker, a chiller and a diesel generator.
“We can accommodate 400 up to 500 serving and the menu was proposed but it depends on its availability but usually we prepared Champorado and Arozcaldo “
“It is operated by the Welfare Services unit of the chapter and manned by trained staff and volunteers” she said.
To sustain its operation and ensure proper maintenance, it requires significant public support. As Red Cross is people helping people, we welcome donors, partners and volunteer.
