As the COVID-19 pandemic and various typhoons batter the country in 2020, many Filipinos have been left with very little, making the coming holidays difficult to celebrate. Steadfast in its commitment to heed the call of those in need, the MVP Group is embarking on a country-wide donation drive called Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko, where 22 companies and foundations under the leadership of Manuel V Pangilinan are uniting to pool funds for Noche Buena packs for families to enjoy.
The Noche Buena packs include meals and rice sacks which will depend on each company’s contribution. Some of the companies will also donate other essentials such as printers, pocket wifi, and toys for the children among others. Part of the donation will also include a fund to support various sectors and advocacies amid the new normal. These include teachers, farmers, public hospitals, as well as communities affected by recent typhoons and the Taal Volcano eruption of January 2020.
“Filipino traditions are usually the strongest and warmest at this time of the year. Sadly, this pandemic has not only radically changed our work and our lives, but it has also dampened the festive mood of Christmas. With Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko, our group aims to ignite even the smallest spark of hope in our countrymen and let them know that they can count on us,” said Group Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan.
The MVP Group aims to reach out to communities from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. These include Aeata communities in Sitio Villa Maria in Porac, Pampanga; blind masseurs in Sta. Mesa, Manila; indigent patients and hospital personnel from the East Avenue Medical Center; jeepney and tricycle drivers from General Santos City, Manila and select towns in Batangas; students and low-income households from Cagbalete Island, Quezon and Dona Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan which Meralco energized, persons with disability community, vegetable vendors from Sitio Magnolia in Quezon City; Sining Ipo Indigent Dumagats; Dumagat farmers in Marikina Watershed; and farmers in North and Central Luzon.
The Group also provided support to various sectors, including Caritas Manila; Radio Veritas; affected communities of Taal eruption and recent typhoons; Jolohanon Women’s Association, a Tausug fishing village in Jolo; Pangasinan farmers that were supported by Smart through its #BuyLocal campaign and sustainability fund; lastly, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation delivered 200 Noche Buena packages to boatmen and their families whose livelihoods have been destroyed during the onslaught of successive typhoons in Mabini, Batangas.
Other areas across the country include Mabini, Batangas; Siargao; Alaminos City; Puerto Galera; Albay; Cagayan; Camarines Sur; Camarines Norte; Isabela; Batangas; Catanduanes; Tuguegarao City; Surigao City; Aloguinsan and Boljoon, Cebu; Zamboanga City; Iligan City; and Quezon Province.
“I commend all our employees who are stepping up to give some of what they have for this endeavor. This bayanihan spirit is what will help us rise and overcome our challenges and make us appreciate the true essence of Christmas,” Pangilinan said.
The Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko initiative also introduces an anthem composed exclusively for the campaign that aims to uplift Filipinos’ spirits this season.
Liked this post? Follow SwirlingOverCoffee on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
