To address the immediate needs of families affected by typhoon Ompong, GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI), has allocated a total amount of PhP 5 million. To date, GTFI has reached out to a total of 6,100 families through a series of relief operations held in coordination with the network of Metrobank branches in northern Luzon.

Relief distributions were held in three (3) municipalities in the province of Cagayan. Spearheaded by Metrobank Tabuk City branch, 500 families were assisted in the municipality of Rizal covering barangays Linno-C, Poblacion, and Batu on September 25. Metrobank Aparri branch, on September 29, reached out to 500 families of barangay Maura, Aparri, Cagayan. Metrobank Tuguegarao branch, on the other hand, covered the hardly hit town of Baggao, reaching out to 3000 families of barangays Temblique, Adaoag, Asassi, Canagatan, Bagunot, Ibulo, Carupian, Masical, Taguing, and Bunugan last September 22. Relief distribution efforts were also coursed through the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, benefitting a total of 1000 beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, led by Metrobank Purple Hearts Club Bag-iw Chapter in Baguio City, relief goods were distributed to 500 families in Itogon, Benguet and Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya on September 23. Packed meals were also distributed to 350 PNP rescue workers in Bakun and Itogon. Through Operation Blessing, 600 families in Kabayan, Benguet also received relief goods covering the barangays of Lusod, Tawangan, and Upper Bashoy.

GTFI has also partnered with Alagang Kapatid Foundation in providing hot meals to disaster-stricken or homeless families through their Foton First Responder Food Truck. A total of 6,621 individuals were served with hot meals in the towns of Baggao, Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Gattaran and Rizal, Cagayan. Most of these areas reached through #AKFeed have been isolated as residents did not expect help to reach them, including an Aeta community in Gattaran.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (503 Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army) and the Philippine National Police served as cooperating agencies in the transport of the relief goods. The Philippine Air Force (Tactical Operations Group 1) provided choppers to airlift the goods in Benguet. Metrobank employees and some chapters of the bank’s volunteerism arm, Metrobank Purple Hearts Club, were mobilized in the repacking and distribution of goods in the communities. GTFI is currently in coordination as well with the Philippine Red Cross to provide GI sheets to some 150 affected families for the repair of partially-damaged shelters.

Together with Metrobank Foundation, Inc., GTFI remains responsive to aid survivors of natural calamities through relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Tags: 2018 Press Releases