IN TIMES of calamities and disasters, the "Bayanihan" spirit of Filipinos becomes stronger and more evident, especially that the Christmas season is fast-approaching.
When the series of powerful earthquakes hit parts of Mindanao in October destroying properties, claiming lives and affecting thousands of families, help from private individuals, groups, companies and organizations poured out.
Companies and organizations in Davao City, such as Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Davao, Ayala Group, SM, PLDT-Smart, and Joji Ilagan Career Center Foundation Inc., among others, reached out to our brothers and sisters affected by the recent disasters as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Davao
In two consecutive days -- November 8 to 9 -- the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Davao conducted relief operations to Digos City and three towns in Davao del Sur: Matanao, Magsaysay and Bansalan.
"This is just the immediate relief. We have raised funds from different organizations. We collected some P4 million and we turned this to 8,000 food packs distributed to Digos City and Davao del Sur," Chinese Consul General Li Lin said.
The relief operation was in partnership with Dumper PTDA Partylist, Davao Fil-Chinese Multi-sectoral Association, China Road and Bridge Association, CSCEC Philippine Branch, and CCCC Highway Consultants Co., Ltd.
Ayala group
The Ayala group and its foundation, Ayala Foundation (AFI), started a coordinated relief operations across all its family of companies.
"Ayala is coordinating the efforts across all our family of companies to move as one in cooperation with the local government to provide urgent aid for the affected communities in Mindanao," said John Philip S. Orbeta, Ayala's Chief Human Resource Officer and Group Head of Corporate Resources.
Other companies across the Ayala group have already started their own relief efforts as well providef immediate assistance.
Globe Telecom (Globe), in partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation Sagip Kapamilya and through the support of the 39th Infantry Battalion, have distributed food and blankets to about 1,680 displaced families and served over 2,000 individuals at two soup kitchens in three municipalities as of November 1.
PLDT Smart
PLDT, its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc., and the company's PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) are joining the relief efforts spearheaded by Tulong Kapatid, the consortium of the foundations of the companies led by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan.
PLDT and Smart have deployed quick-response communications and relief assistance to residents in communities affected by the series of earthquakes that hit Cotabato starting October 29.
PLDT provided internet connectivity for the use of responders at the command center in Kidapawan City, while Smart set up libreng tawag (free calls) stations at the municipal grounds of Tulunan where the 6.6 earthquake was centrally located, at Makilala town hall and in Kidapawan, as well as other locations in North Cotabato and Davao del Sur.
Smart provided satellite emergency communications support, LTE pocket Wi-Fis, and mobile phone load to Philippine Red Cross responders.
The companies turned over to the local government unit (LGU) tents and old banners that may be used as makeshift shelters for those whose houses or buildings were damaged.
Employee-volunteers from Smart and Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation also distributed 300 gallons of water to the affected residents staying at an evacuation center in Barangay Ilomavis, Kidapawan.
PSF, meanwhile, brought relief packs containing rice, canned food, and cereal drink, and hygiene kits for the evacuees.
PSF volunteers also distributed to students Sacks of Joy, which include notebooks, pens, crayons, and other school supplies.
This support is part of PLDT-Smart's #SafePH program, which promotes preparedness and immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, and mobile solutions and activities that help communities mitigate disaster risks.
Joji Ilagan Career Center Foundation, Inc.
For Joji Ilagan International School, the school along with its faculty and staff also conducted relief operations in Makilala, North Cotabato to extend their help to earthquake victims in Mindanao.
The operation is part of the school's JIB Cares program under the JIB Social Engagement and Extension Services (JIB SEES).
With Christmas season just around the corner, there is no more apt time for the companies to hold their CSRs than now -- to help the evacuees who are still reeling from the effect of the calamities and to stand up again and face tomorrow like nothing happened.