Bayanihan: These Companies Stepped Up to Help Kababayans Affected by the Typhoon

Calamities and natural disasters either bring out the best or the worst in anyone. There are those who turn a blind eye to their kababayan’s plight, yet there are also those who, thankfully, don’t think twice about extending a helping hand. These private companies exerted effort into helping Typhoon Ulysses victims cope with the damage and loss. Bayanihan is proudly displayed in giving of simple boxes of donuts and warm meals, conducting donation drives, and even providing free roofing. Here are just some of the companies that readily helped in the aftermath of Typhoon Ulysses.

Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin’ Donuts handed out boxes of their famous sweet treats to families and communities around Metro Manila. Among those who received donuts were traffic enforcers on the road and underprivileged families. They also teamed up with GMA Kapuso Foundation to deliver bundles of donuts in Rizal. Meanwhile, in San Juan City, Victory Ortigas gave 50 dozen Dunkin’ boxes to those staying at evacuation centers. It’s heartwarming how a simple pink-and-orange box of sweet donuts can make people smile.

Lazada

E-commerce giant Lazada makes donating easier for everyone with LazadaForGood. The digital giving platform lets anyone contribute to the Ulysses relief efforts by donating hygiene kits, food packs, and shelter to Lazada’s advocacy partners: ABS-CBN Foundation, Caritas Manila, Kaya Natin, Project Pearls, UNICEF, and World Vision.

To donate, go to your Lazada app and click on “Load, Bills, and eCoupon.” Select “Lazada For Good” and choose an advocacy partner of your choice. Select your donation and check out.

PLDT and Smart Communications

Smart Communications extends its free data and text/call credits to over 12 million affected Smart and TNT customers in the National Capital Region and Luzon. They have also set up communication services and hubs in the form of Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging, and Libreng WiFi stations in Marikina, Valenzuela, Rizal, Aurora, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, and Marinduque. Roving Wifi stations are also positioned in Albay and Camarines Norte to provide free calling, charging, and WiFi services, as well as Libreng Load to affected customers.

Globe Telecom

Globe Rewards Points can be donated to the Ayala Foundation or ABS-CBN Foundation to provide meal packs for families. GCash can also be used to help raise funds by tapping “Pay Bills” and selecting “#UlyssesPHAid.” In addition, Globe is offering free products and services to affected customers in areas all over Luzon to help them keep in touch with their loved ones. Their Dyip Sagip: Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging, and Libreng WiFi Stations will be stationed at various points in Albay and Catanduanes.

RCBC

How far can your bank go to save you? Facebook user Doris Parco Panopio shared how RCBC rescue boats helped save her family stranded in Provident Village, Marikina. She reached out to RCBC CEO Eugene S. Acevedo who had the rescue boats arrive within 30 minutes. Aside from their rescue efforts, RCBC, in partnership with AY Foundation, is also calling for any amount of donation to help them provide assistance to affected communities.

Blue Horizon Metal Corporation

Blue Horizon Metal Corporation is a roof manufacturing company based in Marilao, Bulacan. They went viral over social media for their generous offer of providing roofing to those whose houses were affected by the typhoon. The company is currently prioritizing low-cost housing in affected areas in Bulacan, Metro Manila, and Rizal. Those who would like to take up the offer should send Blue Horizon a message on their Facebook page indicating their name, address, and pictures showing the extent of the damages to the house and roof brought about by Typhoon Ulysses.

SM Supermalls

SM malls and establishments have always opened their doors to people seeking shelter from calamity and this time is no exception. Malls in typhoon-affected areas in Luzon provided temporary shelter to hundreds of Filipinos. Parking fees were waived on the night of Nov. 11 too. Free WiFi, charging stations, and help desks were made accessible.

Bounty Agro Ventures Inc.

Poultry company Bountry Agro Ventures, Inc. (BAVI) is sending food and other assistance to people severely affected by typhoons Ulysses and Rolly. In collaboration with the Rotary Club of Legazpi, BAVI will distribute chicken to over 23,000 people staying in evacuation centers in Guinobatan, Albay, which was among those hardest hit by typhoon Rolly a week ago.

Company president Ronald Mascariñas says that similar assistance will be sent to thousands of other typhoon survivors elsewhere in Luzon. “Our hearts go out to our countrymen who have suffered the two recent typhoons and assure them of our support in this difficult time,” he said.

Do you know other companies that helped Typhoon Ulysses victims?