Hope floats with ‘salbabote’
MANILA, Philippines - One Meralco Foundation, the non-profit arm of power distributor Meralco, along with partners such as Clorox International Philippines Inc. (CIPI), the local marketer of Glad plastic storage solutions and products, have undertaken an advocacy for the safety of ordinary Filipinos during typhoons and calamities with the propagation of a simple and affordable life-saving contraption ingeniously called “Salbabote.”
The term is a play on the Spanish-based Filipino word for lifesaver —salbabida — compounded with the Filipino word bote, which in this case refers to empty plastic softdrink bottles used as the primary component in an improvised flotation device.
The device is a PVC-coated mesh bag that contains four plastic bottles, with straps that can be used to wear as a life vest wrapping around the neck and waist. It also comes with a long, nylon tether strap that can be used to anchor the wearer to a tree or post, as a measure against being swept away by rushing floodwater.
CIPI donated an initial 600 pieces of Glad Freezer Zipper Bags, which is a vital component of the Salbabote. A Glad Freezer Zipper Bag is placed in the bag’s front pocket, which can be used to keep essential emergency items handy and dry. These may include a flashlight, a whistle and important personal items such as identification cards, mobile phones and money.
One Meralco Foundation launched Project Salbabote in October last year to promote and support natural disaster preparedness in the country, particularly during the typhoon season.
For its part, CIPI is privileged to participate in this landmark corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
“This is a great opportunity for us to be able to give back to local communities, which also count among them our loyal consumers,” said CIPI president Marites Dagdag. “We are glad to be able to put to good use our very products known for their reliability, versatility and sturdiness — this time, not just in the kitchen but in life-saving situations.”
