ABS-CBN pays tribute to Yolanda donors

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, president and CEO Charo Santos-Concio and ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. (ALKFI) chairperson Regina “Gina” Lopez gave heartfelt thanks to the donors, who entrusted their money with ALKFI to help the Typhoon Yolanda survivors.

“Your contributions saved many lives and planted a new beginning,” said Gabby in the thanksgiving video plug aired on Nov. 7, a year after Yolanda struck the Philippines.

“We are sending you our sincere gratitude for your help, compassion and prayers. On behalf of the survivors of Yolanda, Bohol earthquake and Zamboanga siege, thank you. Ang babait po ninyo,” added Charo.

Gina, on the other hand, reported how ALKFI used the donations, which amounted to more than P1B in cash and in kind. According to her, the funds went to relief operations (P264M) and were allocated to education programs and building of classrooms (P187M), housing and health projects (P225M) and livelihood (P338M).

Aside from the areas the government has assigned to ABS-CBN for long-term rehabilitation projects — Dulag, Marabut and Sta. Rita in Leyte, and Basey in Samar, relief assistance also reached other provinces such as Bohol, Cebu, Biliran, Antique, Aklan, Oriental Mindoro, Iloilo, Masbate, Capiz, Palawan and other areas of Samar and Leyte.

Meanwhile, in commemoration of the anniversary of Yolanda, DZMM brought its Teaching, Learning and Caring (TLC) clinic and classroom-on-wheels to Mayorga and Pastrana in Leyte last Nov. 7 and 8. Almost 2,000 residents benefitted from the feeding program, free medical service and distribution of free reading glasses. Bernadette Sembrano led the storytelling for the children.

For details, log on to http://tulongph.abs-cbnnews.com.