Millions of Filipinos have been left homeless by Typhoon Yolanda, while the cost of the damage has been initially placed at more than P10 billion – and it’s obvious that rehabilitation will require massive resources and gargantuan efforts. The death toll continues to rise even as we write, but it’s quite clear to everyone that the focus should be on helping the survivors who are in need of food, water, medicines, clothes and shelter. Despite the devastation, Filipinos are heartened by the compassion and support coming from many local companies who are all stepping up to the plate, initiating their own fund drives, forsaking planned Christmas celebrations, and conducting relief operations. Major businesses are displaying corporate social responsibility (CSR) through corporate foundations, among them the Aboitiz group which initially raised P30 million. Aboitiz Equity Ventures president Jon Aboitiz told me they have a target of raising P200 million and that they are now “close to it,” realizing that there is much to be done but that we will be able to do it as a nation. Another conglomerate that has also been in the thick of relief efforts is the SM Group that has allocated P100 million in calamity funds for the rebuilding of homes, community centers and schools in disaster affected areas most particularly in Tacloban, Samar, Ormoc, Capiz, Iloilo, Cebu and Bohol that also suffered from a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. The SM Group via SM Cares is doing a fantastic job, having sent over 50,000 relief packs and Read More …
