THE PHILIPPINES, AUGUST 9, 2012: Typhoon Gener may have been on its way out but a nameless monsoon took its place and damaged so much more properties and displaced nearly 200,000 families.
Total accumulated rainfall amount recorded by PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Services Administration) in 48 hours, from August 6-7, was 687 mm – higher than the 455 mm rainfall in 24 hours recorded on September 26, 2009, when tropical storm Ondoy ravaged the Philippines.
To streamline donations for those who have been affected by the monsoon, brands and companies in the country came together and help those in need.
Social networking site Multiply.com is accepting donations on behalf of the Philippine Red Cross, its country manager Jack Madrid said on Twitter on August 7.
“Philippine Red Cross needs our help in sustaining its humanitarian operations,” the site announced.
Popular fastfood chains act as drop off centers for those who want to donate. Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) stores such as Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Red Ribbon, and Mang Inasal serve as drop off points for those who want to donate cash. People only have to look for the Jollibee Foundation coinbanks found on the counters of the restaurants. The fund campaign will continue as needed.
Furthermore, JFC and the Jollibee Foundation is also providing relief assistance through rice donations to families in evacuation centers, in coordination with GMA Kapuso Foundation, ABS-CBN Foundation, and other relief agencies, and will continue to do so as necessary to help those in need.
Meanwhile, McDonald’s stores that are open in Metro Manila serve as drop-off points for those who want to donate in kind.
Time and time again, social media has proven to cater to more than just social networking as other institutions have used popular channels, such as Facebook and Twitter, to call for donations.
The Citizens’ Disaster Response Center posted on its Facebook page that it is accepting donations for families affected by the floods. Donations can be dropped at 72-A Times Street, West Triangle Homes, Quezon City.
Giant telecommunications companies have also joined in the effort. Smart Communications are accepting donations through text. Smart subscribers may send donations to Red Cross via SMS by typing RED <amount> (in denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500, 1000) to 4143. While Globe Telecom is making donating less of a hassle as they waive transaction fees for donations made via G-Cash. To donate, users only have to text DONATE <amount> <4-digit M-PIN> REDCROSS and send to 2882.
Other drop-off centers include LBC, Ayala Malls, and SM Supermalls.
Networks, aside from bringing news real-time to every screen, bring their public service to another level. TV5 is asking those who want to donate to drop off donations at AKFI office, Quirino Highway, San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City; GMA Kapuso Foundation advises donors to call their telethon hotline, 981-1908; while ABS-CBN’s Sagip Kapamilya is accepting cash donations through BDO and PNB, peso and dollar accounts are available.
Photo: Philippine Red Cross cash assistance poster from facebook.com/phredcross
