Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI), through their disaster response program “Helping Hands,” partnered with the Metrobank Purple Hearts Club (PHC), Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) Foundation, and Alagang Kapatid Foundation to distribute relief packs worth PhP1.5 million to 3,000 families in Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, and Benguet affected by Severe Tropical Storm “Maring.”

Through the Metrobank branches namely Candon, Tagudin, Vigan, and Vigan-Market and local PHC chapters, relief packs composed of rice, assorted canned goods, coffee, and six gallons of water were given to 1,000 families residing at the municipality of Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. Mayor Brigido Camarillo, Jr. and Vice Mayor Michael Florendo formally received the goods on October 31.

The same assistance was rolled out by RMN Foundation through their “Oplan Tabang in Benguet” program to another 1,000 families impaired by flash floods in the municipalities of Bakun, Kibungan, and Tuba, Benguet Province. Personnel from the Philippine Military Academy’s Office of the Civil Military Operation, Public Affairs Office, Headquarters Support Group, and Office of the Command Chaplain helped in the logistical needs of the program that ran from November 8 and 9.

Lastly, 1,000 families from corn and rice farming communities in Cagayan province received rice, assorted canned goods, and locally-sourced vegetables—all packaged in reusable pails. Distributions at Tuguegarao City and municipalities of Baggao, Gattaran, Gonzaga, and Sta. Teresita were implemented by Alagang Kapatid Foundation from October 25 to 28. (PR)