MANILA, Philippines - Rescue5, TV5’s emergency response team, and Alagang Kapatid Foundation, the network’s CSR arm, were quick to provide assistance to those in need of rescue and immediate relief when Metro Manila was again caught unprepared by the heavy rains caused by the habagat brought on by Typhoon Mario.
“As early as 6:30 in the morning, calls for help started to flood the Rescue5 hotline. Netizens also began sounding the alarm via Rescue5’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. We then immediately deployed the teams to areas where rescue efforts were most needed,” shares TV5 Public Service head Sherryl Yao. Aboard the rubber boats, the Rescue5 team continued its commitment to cause journalism, braving torrential rains and raging floodwater not only to gather and report news but also to save people.
Carefully stepping on a narrow edge of a flooded house in Don Jose St., Quezon City, Rescue5 host Paolo Bediones and his team were able to save a family that was trapped on the second floor. The team also rescued several people stranded on the rooftop of a nearby gasoline station.
Meanwhile, Rescue5 EMT reporter Jeff Caparas almost got swept away by raging floodwater while trying to rescue an old man in Araneta Ave., Quezon City, who refused to abandon his puppy and some scrap materials. The team prioritized children, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities needing immediate evacuation. More than 50 individuals were brought to safety.
In addition, the MVP Group of Companies, led by Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc., PLDT-Smart Foundation, Inc. and One Meralco Foundation, as well as companies such as Smart Communications, Maynilad and Manila North Tollways Corp. also readily responded to the immediate needs of our Kapatid affected by the typhoon.
TV5 and PLDT Smart Foundation, Inc. deployed vehicles to aid stranded commuters, while Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. also distributed ready-to-eat food, water from Maynilad, and blankets and towels to evacuees.
In just a span of four days, Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. was able to serve 2,510 families or 12,550 individuals through their relief operations and 2,421 individuals through their community kitchen activities. On top of this, 580 stranded commuters also benefited from the Libreng Sakay courtesy of PLDT Smart Foundation and TV5.
(During emergencies and disasters, Rescue5 can be reached via 922-5155, www.facebook.com/RESCUE5PH and Twitter account: @RESCUE5PH. For details, call 376-4412, 689-3100 local 45191 and 45192.)