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Globe customers raise P1.9M for Typhoon Odette survivors

Globe customers have raised P1,925,284 worth of Globe and TM Rewards points to help survivors of Typhoon Odette, sending critical aid to families reeling from the impact of the deadly December storm.

The donations have been turned over to Globe’s partner organizations — the Ayala Foundation, GMA Kapuso Foundation, and Rise Against Hunger Philippines.

Such support came at a crucial time when typhoon survivors needed life-saving aid, as Odette destroyed over 344,000 houses and damaged more than 1 million others. The destruction displaced over 58,000 families, leaving them straining for basic needs.

A total of 406 people were killed, while 1,265 were hurt and 65 remain missing.

“The devastation left by Typhoon Odette called for a swift response. We are very grateful to our customers who are with us in this undertaking.  The Rewards points that they donated will go a long way in helping step up humanitarian efforts to help as many people as we possibly can,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

Globe Rewards currently has 15 non-government organizations, charitable institutions, and foundations in its program roster, supporting several advocacies in line with the company’s vision towards national development and upliftment of lives. These include disaster relief, reforestation, child protection, hunger mitigation, education, animal welfare, marine biodiversity, mental wellness, and medical support.

Through Globe Rewards, Globe and TM subscribers can provide support and malasakit to worthwhile causes in time of need within the safety of their homes.

For Odette response, one of Globe’s major partners Ayala Foundation through its disaster relief and recovery efforts under the #BrigadangAyala program continues to provide food packs in heavily affected areas in partnership with the Ayala Group of Companies.

Another partner is the GMA Foundation, which provides aid through the “Operation Bayanihan” program. The organization extends immediate relief and assistance to victims of disasters and calamities nationwide.

Other donation partners that extend support to disaster survivors are ABS-CBN Foundation and the Tzu Chi Foundation.

To date, relief efforts led by Globe and its partner organizations have now reached over 10,000 families in Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao.

With thousands of Filipinos affected by the disaster still in need of urgent help, Globe continues to send out a call for support to its customers.

Globe and TM customers can still donate their Rewards points to ongoing relief operations for as low as P1 via the New GlobeOne app at glbe.co/NewGlobeONE. Customers can go to the Rewards section, click the “DONATE” icon, choose the organization and corresponding denomination, and then press “REDEEM.” A confirmation message will be sent by 4438 upon successful donation.

The company strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, highlighting the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

#globe #typhoonodette #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Caritas Manila: Touching People’s Lives

“The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” – Proverbs 11:25

Proverbs 11 teaches that a person who gives to others will gain even more. Verse 25 makes another point: “Generosity will be rewarded. Give a cup of water, and you will receive a cup of water in return.”

This reminds me of Caritas Manila (CM) and its various services intended for the marginalized sector of Philippine society. CM is the leading social arm of the Archdiocese of Manila and the integrator of the Church social services and development in Metro Manila.

Its programs and services are directed toward the total human development of destitute people and the promotion of social justice in the light of the Catholic Church’s social teachings.

CM views development as empowering the poor, giving priority to those no one else serves. It is concerned with addressing the present situation of disadvantaged groups such as the urban poor, women, and children.

At the same time, CM is also involved with national, even global issues such as the environment. The measure of its performance lies in its contribution to the improvement of the quality of life of the poor people in society.

One observation is that Filipinos are more generous with their assistance to Caritas today than they were 10 years ago. “There’s really a remarkable improvement,” according to my source, a former executive director of CM, for this interview some years back. “Generally, Filipinos are kind.” At present, the executive director of CM is Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual.

The present executive director of Caritas Manila, Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual with Miss Universe-Philippines, Rabiya Mateo. Courtesy @OfficialCaritasManila

Caritas Manila, then known as Catholic Charities was founded by the late Archbishop of Manila, Rufino Cardinal Santos in October 1953. He saw it as a “social welfare program with the purpose of uplifting the spirit and soul of these unfortunate members of our community . . . to assist them in all their needs  . . . to bring the assistance and help of God in their miseries and distress.”

CM now focuses on socio-development activities that would wholistically draw out the poor’s capabilities and responsibilities. This stemmed from the belief that “self-reliance cannot be achieved through social services alone.”

Since then it has shifted to community building, to make the poor people self-reliant. They only dole-out in extreme emergencies, for example to those victimized by fires, floods, and other calamities. They always emphasize self-reliance, they help them find a job or train them to develop their skills.

Despite the passing of time, Caritas remains relevant. “I think we will still be here,” said my source. “But ideally we should fade away because it would mean then that the people are all economically, morally well-off. That’s our ultimate goal.”

Its accomplishment in helping people towards self-reliance has been an encouragement to continue CM’s commitment to helping build lives again. Above all, Caritas has uplifted our poor countrymen to their fullest dignity as God’s children.

Lenten Season Alay Kapwa 2021 campaign

This campaign challenges one to abstain from meals or habits in exchange for giving to the poor. From whatever you choose to give up Lenten season, you may save P40 a day. A total of Php 1,600 can be raised in 40 days, which you may donate to their feeding and nutrition campaign addressing hunger and malnutrition resulting from the pandemic and typhoons.

Caritas hopes that you accept this act of almsgiving by supporting the Alay Kapwa campaign and being the face of Christ’s love to those most in need in these trying times. You may share your blessings through their official bank accounts and online donation portals.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/OfficialCaritasManila.

As the saying goes, “Service is working and giving and understanding that no good deed will be lost.”

 (Based on the article published in the Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)

#caritasmanila #servingthepoor #alaykapwa #charityinaction #giftedtogive #holyweek2021  #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Photos courtesy @OfficialCaritasManila