BingoPlus Foundation delivers P6M lifeline to quake-hit Cebu towns

The devastation left by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that rocked Northern Cebu on 30 September continues to weigh heavily on thousands of Filipinos — but for BingoPlus Foundation, the disaster was a call to serve.

Armed with grit and guided by its mission to “multiply the good,” the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp. immediately mobilized relief operations under its BayanihanPlus program, providing P6 million worth of assistance to residents from six hard-hit municipalities.

“This P6 million support from DigiPlus and BingoPlus represents an immediate lifeline for tens of thousands of individuals who lost their homes, livelihoods, and some even their loved ones,” said Executive Director Angela Camins-Wieneke.

“We’ve prioritized swift, targeted action to ensure the relief gets into the hands of those who need it most. Sama-sama sa pagtulong. Sabay-sabay sa pagbangon.”

The operation—led by Manila-based personnel and local Cebu employee volunteers—was not without peril. Teams had to brave impassable roads, heavy rains, and aftershocks, including a magnitude 5.8 tremor on 13 October.

“I learned that serving others is not about how easy the journey is, but how willing your heart is to keep going for those who need you the most,” said Communications Officer Jem Tumbaga.

“Despite the bad weather, rough roads, and the scary aftershocks we experienced in Cebu, my commitment to serve others remains unshaken.”

To ensure aid reached even the most isolated areas, the Foundation worked closely with local governments, the Philippine Army’s 53rd Engineering Brigade, supply chain partners, and the Philippine Accessible Disability Services (PADS). BingoPlus branches also pitched in, enabling a swift, barangay-to-barangay distribution across remote communities.

“Access here is very difficult, especially the roads,” said PADS focal person Nino Mangubat in a Facebook post.

“This aid given by the BingoPlus Foundation is really a huge help for the persons with disabilities here in Borbon.”

The relief effort, which ranged from 5 to 23 October, delivered thousands of food and essential packs to an estimated 56,000 residents. House-to-house outreach was also organized for persons with disabilities, addressing barriers further intensified by the disaster.

While the Foundation celebrates the successful completion of the operation, it also acknowledges that recovery is far from over. It has committed to continue working with partners on long-term needs created by the earthquake’s impact.

As communities in Northern Cebu face the long road to rebuilding, BingoPlus Foundation remains firm in its pledge: helping together, rising together.