Rebuilding lives through collective impact

A number of tropical cyclones visit our country annually. A considerable number of these have resulted in devastating after-effects, many of which were exacerbated by destructive man-made activities, causing flooding all over the metropolis. The recent Southwest monsoon brought about by Typhoon Gener flooded over 80% of Metro Manila and affected the lives of almost 3 million people.

Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), comprised of 240 corporate members, harnesses corporate philanthropy for more collective impact. During times of necessity, member companies heed our disaster-stricken fellow Filipinos’ call for help.

An outpouring of support came from member organizations and donors both from Metro Manila and other provinces: Epson Precision Philippines, Inc., IBM Care Club, Airlift Asia, Inc., UP College of Social Work and Community Development student volunteers, MediCall Philippines Inc., and USAID TBLINC supported PBSP’s relief operations which distributed Sphere relief packs and humanitarian assistance to over 700 families in Navotas and Laguna as well as medical assistance to 267 patients.

PBSP members in other areas also donated aid: In Cagayan De Oro, Fast Cargo Logistics and Magsaysay Shipping Co. made sure that 2 container vans of relief goods were safely delivered; Philippine Banana Growers Association and Solid Shipping Lines also extended a helping hand; and in Zamboanga, relief aid was sent through Lorenzo Shipping. Other PBSP member companies, donors, and partners like Petron Corporation, United Way/The Hershey Company, UNILAB, Fluor Daniel Philippines, Inc., ZOTO, The Generics Pharmacy, and WATERS Philippines generously supported the relief efforts.

The overwhelming assistance for the Habagat Relief was a clear affirmation of PBSP’s collective impact at work.