Aboitiz Group extends immediate assistance to Typhoon ‘Karding’-hit areas

Following the onslaught of Typhoon Karding in Central Luzon, Aboitiz Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Aboitiz Group, and Aboitiz business units, namely AboitizLand, AboitizPower, and Pilmico, mobilized and provided much-needed relief in the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Quezon Province.

"Always ready and aiming to be the first to respond, Aboitiz Foundation together with the Aboitiz business units conducted a 'needs assessment' a day after Typhoon Karding hit and delivered much-needed relief within the week. Our quick response is not possible without the help of our business units and the Philippine Army Artillery Regiment," Aboitiz Foundation President and COO Maribeth L. Marasigan said.

In Nueva Ecija, Mayor Myca Vergara of Cabanatuan City commended the Aboitiz Group for mobilizing and delivering relief packs days after Typhoon Karding devastated the province.

"Aboitiz Foundation's donation of food and water to Barangay Valle Cruz is a heartwarming demonstration of the Bayanihan spirit. On behalf of the people of Cabanatuan City, I thank you for your unwavering support and generosity," Mayor Vergara said.

Aboitiz also tapped the Philippine Army Artillery Regiment for the hauling and distribution of the 400 food packs in Nueva Ecija.

"Partnerships are key for disaster risk reduction. Each partner brings essential and unique services, the needs of the community in the aftermath of a disaster require more resources than can be addressed by national and local emergency responders, private, public stakeholders, and above all, the volunteers," said Col. Francis Anthony M. Coronel, Regiment Commander, Philippine Army Artillery Regiment.

In Quezon, Therma Luzon Inc., wholly owned subsidiary of AboitizPower, donated a total of 250 sacks of rice to the Provincial Government, which was represented by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Chief Sonia Layson.

"Lubos pong nagpapasalamat ang aming mahal na governor Dra. Helen Tan sa AboitizPower, Therma Luzon Inc., at Aboitiz Foundation sa 250 sacks of rice na malaking tulong sa tinamaan ng bagyong Karding sa Patnanungan, Burdeos, Jomalig, Infanta, Real, and Polilio Group of Islands. Ito po ay kailangang-kailangan nila at sila po ay nasa isla at walang mabibilhang pagkain sa kasalukuyan kaya ito po ay napakalaking tulong sa kanila" Layson said.

Also present during the relief operations were over 40 volunteers from the Philippine National Police Quezon Province. The donation will benefit 3,900 families in the Polillo Islands.

In Tarlac, employees of Pilmico, the food subsidiary of the Aboitiz Group, helped in repacking 400 food packs for families affected by Typhoon Karding in the municipalities of Capas, Talugtug in Nueva Ecija, and Tarlac City. The vehicle and manpower during the distribution was provided by the Philippine Army headed by Col. Reynaldo R. Malapad, the Group Commander of the 3rd Regional Community Defense Group, Reserve Command.

As of 4 October, the Aboitiz Foundation has earmarked P1.3 million for Typhoon Karding relief operations. The funds were used to prepare and distribute food packs and sacks of rice for distribution in Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Quezon Province. The relief operations benefited a total of 4,800 families.