MANILA, PHILIPPINES – More assistance has been extended to the Local Government of Bohol following Super Typhoon Odette days before Christmas last year.
This initiative was led by PLDT and Smart’s social outreach arm PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), in close partnership with Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. and the MVP Group Tulong Kapatid.
“I would like to thank MVP and the MVP group of companies that are working with him and his great team. All the great companies are coming together to help us out. What is critical right now is to help our people to rebuild their homes and to be able to stand again. We’re going to welcome this partnership as a model for what the government and the private sector can do together for our people,” said Bohol Governor Arthur Yap.
Odette has severely impacted Bohol most especially its coastal barangays in the Municipality of Talibon. These areas are now declared “NO BUILD ZONE” and residents are forced to vacate their homes. The Provincial Government of Bohol has received 100 shelter kits containing building materials which will be allocated to residents whose homes sustained extensive damages post-Odette.
“Our Chairman, Manny V. Pangilinan, has been very concerned with the situation in Bohol and other areas hit by Typhoon Odette. The magnitude of damage is staggering, but we would like to help as much as possible. We are looking at how to help the people recover their livelihood and find secure areas for shelter,” said PSF President Esther Santos.
The turnover of support graced by Bohol Governor Arthur Yap was led by PLDT-Smart Foundation President Esther Santos, and was joined by Alagang Kapatid Executive Director Menchie Silvestre, Smart Communications Inc. Group Corporate Communications VisMin Manager Marylou Gocotano, and Bohol’s Chocolate Princess Dalareich Polot.
Families who are currently staying in the evacuation centers in Talibon were also given relief packs with essential goods. Water filters have also been turned over to Talibon Municipal Health Center to make available potable water in affected areas such as island barangays. The water filters will be stationed at the designated barangay health centers.