Massive relief effort reaches Typhoon Kristine’s most affected

DigiPlus extends its largest relief effort to date, underscoring its dedication to resilience and meaningful impact. Through BingoPlus Foundation, the company's commitment stands as a beacon of resilience and compassion in times of crisis. —CONTRIBUTED

Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) made landfall in Isabela on Oct. 24 and left through Ilocos Sur the next day. However, even before reaching land, it brought rain that spurred flooding and landslides.

Government data showed that the disaster affected nearly 8 million people across 17 out of the country’s 18 regions, claiming over 140 lives and causing billions of pesos in damages to livelihoods and infrastructure, among others.

Meaningful support

A nationwide campaign, mounted by BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive, is providing P37 million in financial aid to the most devastated families.

This is DigiPlus’ largest relief effort to date, extending meaningful support to Filipinos in their time of greatest need.

The campaign kicked off with a turnover ceremony on Nov. 10 at Talisay New Municipal Grounds, Batangas, where an initial batch of 39 bereaved families received financial support. Places like Talisay were among the towns in Batangas that suffered landslides, among other disasters. Batangas, which was declared under a state of calamity because of the effects of the storm, will be one of the focus areas of the Foundation’s relief efforts.

First Lady Lisa Araneta-Marcos, alongside DigiPlus Interactive chairman Eusebio Tanco and DSWD Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez, personally handed over financial aid to families affected by Typhoon Kristine in Batangas. This forms part of the P37 million pledge by DigiPlus Interactive to support the recovery of the bereaved families nationwide. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

At the event, DigiPlus chair Eusebio Tanco and BingoPlus Foundation COO Celeste Jovenir personally met the beneficiaries, offering condolences side by side with First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos and Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

They were joined by community folk and local officials, including Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas, Batangas Vice Gov. Mark Leviste and Talisay Mayor Nestor Natanauan. Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez was also in attendance.

‘Multiplying the good’

Similar activities will occur in several parts of the country in coordination with the DSWD, a testament to BingoPlus Foundation’s commitment to its mission of multiplying the good.

“The BingoPlus Foundation exists to provide more than financial aid; it is about creating hope, resilience, and real change,” said Tanco. “The work of the BingoPlus Foundation is a true reflection of our belief in giving back without holding back, of reaching out to lift up those in need, and of multiplying the good in every way possible.”

The pledge builds on the Foundation’s prior initiatives for Kristine victims.

In partnership with the National Resource Operations Center of the DSWD and ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya, BingoPlus Foundation provides essential relief to families affected by Typhoon Kristine in Isabela, Aurora, Camarines Norte and other provinces.

In collaboration with the DSWD’s National Resource Operations Center (NROC), the Foundation provided rice to at least 750 families. Moreover, it mobilized volunteers to repack and distribute critical supplies for affected provinces.

Together with ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya, BingoPlus Foundation also extended support to 1,000 families in Isabela, Aurora, Pangasinan and Quezon.