SMC, PAL pledge aid for victims

MANILA, Philippines - Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and its subsidiaries, including flag carrier Philippine Airlines, have started mobilizing efforts to help communities affected by the killer earthquake that hit the Visayas and Mindanao.

PAL has activated its Humanitarian Cargo Grant program and will begin accepting donations to be airlifted for free to Tagbilaran City in Bohol and Cebu.

The flag carrier will also provide free air transportation to certified volunteer doctors and medical specialists participating in ongoing relief efforts.

Along this line, SMC said it would also support efforts to help rehabilitate the centuries-old churches damaged by the magnitude 7.2 earthquake.

“Our first concern are the needs of the victims. We are helping provide immediate relief. But we also would like to play a sustainable role in relief efforts and not just immediate recovery,” said SMC president Ramon Ang.

“These churches are part of our heritage and carry significant historical value. We are open to do our part in supporting any efforts to rehabilitate these sites,” Ang added.

SMC is also enlisting its Cebu facilities and employee volunteers for the distribution of relief goods.

Meanwhile, PAL said that under its PAL Cargo Humanitarian Grant program, the carrier would transport high-value goods such as medicine, food and water, hygiene products, clothing, and other necessities such as mosquito nets and repellants, flashlights, radios, among others.

These items would be given priority over rice, noodles, sardines, and other items either already distributed by local government units or available near the calamity-stricken areas, to maximize cargo space.

Donors and volunteer groups only need to contact the PAL Foundation through 851-2980 or 855-8000 local 2653, to avail of the grant.

Petron Corp., through its Petron Foundation, is looking at utilizing its service stations as drop off points for donations.

SMC, one of the country’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, has in the past consistently contributed to disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts. – Lawrence Agcaoili, Zinnia dela Peña, Rhodina Villanueva, Pia Lee-Brago