Author: League of Corporate Foundations

Typhoon Kristine struck hard in the Bicol Region and the province of Batangas in October 2024. Many houses were damaged and submerged in the flood, and many people were left stranded on their route to and from the Visayas and Bicol Region.

After the typhoon passed, some towns in the province of Camarines Sur and some roads remained submerged for several days causing heavy traffic along the Maharlika Highway from Quezon province to Bicol Region.

The RMN Foundation team was one of those who were stuck in traffic for two days, but this did not cause aid to be brought to the affected areas in Camarines Sur.

In partnership with RMN DWNX Naga and Metrobank Foundation, RMN Foundation conducted Oplan Tabang relief operations on October 29-31, 2024 in the following areas of Camarines Sur province where homes were submerged in the flood, and electricity and communication signals were lost:

• Municipality of Camaligan: Barangay San Francisco
• Municipality of Gainza: Barangay Sampaloc
• Municipality of Milaor: Barangay Balabag, Barangay Del Rosario, Barangay Flordeliz
• Naga City: Barangay Sabang

One thousand five hundred (1,500) affected families received food packs containing rice, coffee, biscuits, and canned meatloaf. The Municipality of San Fernando also received rice packs in collaboration with Pfizer (Philippines).

According to Ms. Eden Torallo, Barangay Captain of Brgy. San Francisco, Camaligan, the flood has reached the roof of the house, and the people are still on top of their homes. She also requests assistance with other necessities, such as medicines and clothing, in addition to food. The affected families express gratitude for the assistance they received.

Aside from Bicol, the RMN Foundation in partnership with Inner Wheel Club of Las Piñas Shining Diamonds District 383 and Pfizer Philippines also distributed aid to the following areas in Batangas.

• Municipality of Cuenca: Barangay Lumampao, Bungahan Evacuation Center
• Municipality of Talisay: Barangay Caloocan, Barangay Sampaloc, Barangay Leynes

The RMN Foundation is grateful to the following partners, donors, and volunteers who have helped make the Oplan Tabang relief operations successful:

• RMN DWNX Naga
• Metrobank Foundation
• Metrobank Naga
• Inner Wheel Club of Las Piñas Shining Diamonds District 383
• 902nd Coast Guard Auxiliary Squadron
• Municipal Government of San Fernando
• Pfizer (Philippines)
• FNK General Merchandise
• Doña Pacita Resort
• Office of Senator Francis Tolentino
• Other Volunteers and Donors

There are still many families who need assistance. In addition to food, they need sleeping bags, hygiene kits, medicine, and shelter repair kits.

A teacher’s influence extends beyond the four walls of the classroom. Recognizing the role of teachers in guiding the youth, the Department of Education (DepEd) and BDO Foundation organized a financial literacy session for the benefit of 20 teachers from Naga, 20 teachers from Iriga, and 60 teachers and nonteaching personnel from Camarines Sur in commemoration of this year’s National Teachers’ Month. This was hosted by Schools Division Office – Camarines Sur.

Designed to empower teachers in the early stages of their career, the session focused on essential financial management lessons like budgeting, saving, financial planning, debt management, and fraud and scam prevention.

“As teachers, we are responsible for setting a positive example to our students – we are their second parents after all,” said Norma Samantela, Camarines Sur schools division superintendent. “This training initiative enables us to be better role models as we make sound financial decisions and secure our futures and those of our families.”

DepEd and BDO Foundation work closely to help improve the financial literacy levels of beneficiaries in the education sector. Together with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the partners currently implement a financial education program for public schools across the country.

Veteran business journalist and staunch fin ed advocate Salve Duplito facilitated the learning session held at Lotus Blu Hotel. Raised by a mother who was also an educator, she related to the common struggles of teachers, especially those with family responsibilities.

“Sharing the gift of knowledge that hones the minds of the youth is what teachers do best. We want to give back to them in the same way – through financial education,” she shared.

Financial inclusion is one of the program pillars of BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank. The initiative in Naga is one of the many efforts of the organization to spearhead actions that aim to help improve the economic well-being of Filipinos in different sectors of society.

On October 9, 2024, the Liveable Cities Philippines hosted an impactful event focusing on Food Security and (Mal)nutrition. The event brought together leaders in agriculture, nutrition, and community development, with insightful contributions from various resource speakers. Among them was East-West Seed Foundation‘s Executive Director, Ms. Ma. Elena P. van Tooren, who spoke on improving food security and nutrition through shortening the vegetable supply chain.

The East-West Seed Foundation’s mission is to increase appreciation, availability, and consumption through sharing of knowledge on vegetable production and health benefits. Through community-based programs like VeggiEskwela, Gulayamanan and VeggieSapat, EWSF helps communities across the Philippines secure their food sources and improve family nutrition.

Other resource speakers highlighted complementary strategies aimed at addressing food security and malnutrition:

• Mr. John Echauz, Convenor and Chairman of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Business Network Philippines, emphasized the role of innovative solutions in advancing the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition, working toward a well-nourished country.
• Mr. Henry Sison, Chief Farming Officer of Agro-Digital PH, introduced a platform that links small-scale farmers directly to markets, ensuring they can thrive by reaching broader audiences and delivering quality produce.
• Mr. Jomar Fleras, Executive Director of Rise Against Hunger Philippines, discussed global partnerships that combat hunger by connecting communities with vital resources through the support of international NGOs and health organizations.
• Ms. Celerina Amores, Senior Director for Corporate Citizenship and Volunteerism at the Ayala Foundation Inc., highlighted efforts in the Planting for Productivity (P4P) and Food for Work programs, which strengthen regional food security through partnerships with local stakeholders.
• Ms. Jirah Asa Sideco, Nutrition Program Coordinator of Quezon City, presented the city’s pioneering Calories Labeling Policy, which has positioned Quezon City as a leader in Southeast Asia for innovative nutrition initiatives.

Collaborative Action Toward a Food-Secure Future

The event reinforced the need for multi-sectoral collaboration to address the challenges of food security and malnutrition. Through collective efforts, the Liveable Cities Lab on Food Security and (Mal)nutrition highlighted how leaders in agriculture, nutrition, and community development are creating meaningful change. Their contributions will continue to stand out as a model for empowering the community and promoting sustainable food systems in the Philippines, complementing the broader initiatives, and all are working together to create a healthier, more resilient Philippines.

When typhoon Julian (Krathon) hit the country including the Ilocos Region, many of our compatriots were devastated in the province of Ilocos Norte. Some of the affected areas were submerged in floods and their livelihoods were affected.

In aid, the RMN Foundation along with its radio station iFM 99.5 Laoag conducted an ‘Oplan Tabang’ relief operation in partnership with the Metrobank Foundation on October 10-11, 2024 to deliver aid to affected families from twenty-one (21) barangays of the following areas in the province:

Municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Brgy. Nalasin

Brgy. Paratong

Brgy. San Agustin

Brgy. San Roque

Batac City, Ilocos Norte

Brgy. Aglipay

Brgy. Biloca

Brgy. Cangrunaan

Brgy. Caunayan

Brgy. Dariwdiw

Brgy. Nalupta

Brgy. Quiling Sur

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Brgy. 3 Nuestra Señora del Rosario

Brgy. 4 San Guillermo

Brgy. 7-A Nuestra Señora del Natividad

Brgy. 7-B Nuestra Señora del Natividad

Brgy. 30-B Santa MariaBrgy. 36 Araniw

Brgy. 37 Calayab

Brgy. 38-A Mangato East

Brgy. 38-B Mangato West

Brgy. 42 Apaya

Two thousand (2,000) families received food packs containing rice, biscuits, instant coffee, and canned meatloaf. The Laoageños also received hygiene kits from the DSWD through the local government of Laoag City.

The beneficiaries who received the aid were very grateful. The Municipal Government of Paoay, City Government of Batac, and City Government of Laoag also extended their thanks to the RMN Foundation, Metrobank Foundation, and iFM 99.5 Laoag for the assistance provided to their residents.

On behalf of the RMN Foundation, many thanks to the Metrobank Foundation, IFM 99.5 Laoag for the support and help to make the Oplan Tabang relief operation successful.

We are also grateful to the Municipal Government of Paoay, City Government of Batac, and City Government of Laoag for their support during the relief operations.

The onslaught of Typhoon Enteng has left portions of Naga City in Camarines Sur submerged in floodwater even days after its impact. Responding to its call for help, LCF member BDO Foundation, with the help of BDO Network Bank, donated six rescue boats for the barangays of Naga through the Angat Buhay Foundation. 

The boats will help rescuers provide aid to flooded households and support Angat Buhay’s goal of improving the barangay’s capacity for disaster response efforts.

“We hope that these rescue boats enhance the capacity of the ones in the frontline and help them safeguard affected families in times of natural calamities,” shared BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito. Apart from its commitment to disaster response, the foundation also puts importance to building long-term resilience in vulnerable communities.

Through the Home Empowerment Learning Program (HELP), Joy~Nostalg Foundation empowers Filipinos with knowledge on financial literacy, responsible homeownership, housing loans, and Filipino values. 

Over 70 aspiring homeowners and sellers gathered at the foundation’s Grand HELP Day to gain valuable insights into financial literacy, responsible homeownership, and the Filipino values that strengthen families. The event was further enriched by Pag-IBIG representatives, who provided a comprehensive guide to housing loans, ensuring participants left with a clear path toward achieving their homeownership dreams.

Check out their video here.