FOLLOWING the onslaught of Typhoon Odette nearly two weeks ago, several Dabawenyos were hoping to find ways to donate or provide any help they can to the typhoon victims. However, organizing a donation drive or fundraising campaign is not as easy as one may think. Some do not have the capacity to do so while others are not sure how they can start one.
Therefore it was a welcome sight when we saw the #AddDONATEButton movement trend on social media.
Nana Cabales posted a recommendation to the city government of adding a "donate" button in the SafeDavao QR (DQR). This will give the Dabawenyos the option to convert their unclaimed Pahalipay Rewards as relief goods to be delivered to the typhoon victims.
“I empathize with the people who are aching to help and donate but feel they don’t have much to give,” Cabales said during an interview on December 20.
Her Facebook post went viral over social media with many echoing her call to add a donate button in the DQR. Cabales also sent a letter to Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio.
A few days later, the city government of Davao announced on social media that it is considering adding the donate button in the DQR.
“Yes, gina-consider nato ni siya (We are considering it). This was brought up noong Monday during one of the discussions and we are strongly considering this,” Davao City Human Resources Management Office head Lemuel Ortonio said in an interview on the Davao City Disaster Radio on December 22.
Over the weekend, the "donate" button was made live on the DQR and can be accessed through logging into profiles.safe-davao.com. Once you click the donate button, it will inform you that your Pahalipay Reward has been "sent as donation."
From the #AddDONATEButton, this became a reality. With a few taps on their phone or clicks on their personal computers, Dabawenyos are now able to send a donation at the comfort of their homes or wherever they may be as long as there is a stable internet connection.
We commend the city government of Davao for listening to the calls of the Dabawenyos and responding to them accordingly. Thank you for allowing Dabawenyos to extend help through this platform.