PLDT-SME Nation, PSF reach out to typhoon victims

MANILA, Philippines - PLDT-SME Nation and the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) gave away food, water and other basic necessities like clothing and slippers and provided free medical services in an outreach program to the flood victims of tropical storm “Ondoy” and typhoon “Pepeng” in Marilao, Bulacan and Putatan, Muntinlupa recently.

Typhoon-affected families in remote communities in Marilao, Bulacan, particularly Barangay Lambakin, were thankful for the outreach program that was also supported by partner SMEs of PLDT-SME Nation and the PSF.

The partner SMEs who donated supplies included Maynilad, Philippine Franchise Association, Francorp, One Juan Group, Smart Wireless Centers, Burger King, Philippine Retail Association, Bo’s Coffee, PHILWELL and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The outreach effort also went to flooded barangays in Putatan, Muntinlupa. PLDT-SME Nation, PSF and partner SMEs provided relief goods to families coping with the chest-deep waters in the area.

“In times like these, PLDT-SME Nation wholeheartedly provides our unfortunate brothers and sisters the support they need. It’s also heartening to see that there are a lot of individuals and partners who are more than willing to take their time off and give a hand to this effort,” says PLDT-SME Nation vice president and head Kat Luna-Abelarde.

Since the howlers’ devastation in Luzon, areas in Bulacan and Muntinlupa barely received relief as they were inaccessible due to the remaining floodwaters and mud.

“Our area was really hit hard during Ondoy. Houses here were devastated and some are still flooded, making it almost impossible for help to arrive,” says Barangay Putatan chairwoman Elizabeth Masangkay.

Truckloads of relief goods collected from PLDT-SME Nation’s partner SMEs and donations from PLDT officials were transported to the relief staging areas of the affected communities.

Volunteers from PLDT and private individuals came in full support to PLDT’s cause, distributing the bundled supplies to each of the affected families.

Aside from food and other basic supplies, PLDT also brought a team of doctors. Children and adults were given free consultation and were provided with free medicines.

With phone lines down due to the typhoons, PLDT also set up a calling office where families were able to call their loved ones anywhere in the country and overseas for free.

PSF and PLDT-SME Nation, together with their partner SMEs, were able to distribute relief goods and medical supplies to more than 2,000 affected families.

For more information on what PLDT-SME Nation offers businesses, call 101-888 or visit www.pldtsme-nation.com.ph.