Aboitiz Group continue relief efforts for Bohol quake victims

MANILA, Philippines - Aid continued to pour for the victims of the deadly magnitude-7.2 earthquake that struck Central Visayas last October 15.

As the government release funds for its relief operations, Aboitiz Foundation and other private groups also rush to help the more than three million people affected by the earthquake, particularly residents of Bohol province.

The foundation said it has sent help to nearly 11,000 families in various areas such as Loon, Tubigon, Sagbayan, Calape, Clarin, and nearby island barangays in the province.

“The immeasurable bravery and passion to serve of our team members and volunteers are very commendable. No aftershock or far too isolated barangay would keep them from reaching out to the quake victims,” commented Aboitiz Foundation Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Sonny Carpio.

Carpio said the biggest challenge so far encountred by the volunteers were hauling thousands of relief packs from the command center and transferring them to isolated island barangays through small boats.

The foundation said that it is already on the second phase of relief operations. It said at least 7,000 families have been given aid and it is expecting to double the number as more volunteers sign up.

The foundation was able to send help to 4,000 families during the first phase of its relief operations.

The group will continue packing and distributing relief packs in the coming days with the help of volunteers such as Cebu-based Aboitiz business units such as CitySavings Bank, Pilmico Foods, construction group Metaphil, shipbuilder Tsuneishi Heavy Industries, Visayan Electric Company and other distribution units; team members’ friends and dependents; foundation scholars;  LLC Muslim Cooperative; Mater Dei College students; Philippine Navy and NavForcen ladies, and ROTC students.

The 100-year old Aboitiz Group traces its roots in the Visayas and continues to have businesses in the region. Bohol and Cebu are home to many of its team members.

The team is continuously working with Bohol’s provincial and local governments, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Bohol Planning and Development Office in conducting site assessments to identify other areas of immediate concern.