Leading media ABS-CBN launched the “Pantawid ng Pag-ibig” fund-raising campaign on March 19 in partnership with local government officials in Metro Manila and private companies to provide food and basic necessities to Filipinos greatly affected by the enhanced community quarantine.
While the government has appealed to the public to stay at home in order to help stop the spread of the virus, many Filipinos are unable to work or continue with their livelihood to sustain the needs of their families.
“We hope that no Filipino will suffer from hunger at this difficult time. As we have proven many times before, it is our love and concern for each other that will get us through any crisis,” said ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak.
Through the donations from the public, ABS-CBN will be purchasing food and other basic necessities that the Filipino families need. At least four companies have already pledged to allocate stocks for the relief packages. These are Century Canning Corporation, Suy Sing Commercial Corporation, Republic Biscuit Corporation, and the Lucio Tan Group.
The “Pantawid ng Pag-ibig” items will be turned over to the local government units in Metro Manila. All 17 Metro Manila mayors will then lead the preparation and distribution of relief packages for families in need.
Two of ABS-CBN’s biggest stars also urged the public to heed the network’s call for donations.
“I know that your kindness is limitless, so let us pour our love to our fellowmen,” said multi-awarded TV and film actress Angel Locsin.
Coco Martin, the lead actor and director of top-rating primetime teleserye FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano added “we don’t know when this will end. But I am sure we will overcome all this because Filipinos don’t leave their families behind.”
To jumpstart the campaign, Katigbak announced that the Lopez Group of Companies has donated P100 million to “Pantawid ng Pag-ibig.” With more help coming in from both the public and private sectors, and the continued trust and cooperation of local government officials, ABS-CBN hopes to extend the campaign to areas beyond Metro Manila where many other Filipinos are also in need of help.
Those who would like to help may make a cash donation through ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya bank accounts BPI peso account 3051-11-55-88, Metrobank peso account 636-3-636-08808-1, BDO peso account 0039301-14199, and BDO dollar account 1039300-81622.