The families of the 101 soldiers and police personnel who were slain in the ongoing conflict in Marawi City were at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang the other day for the Go Negosyo financial assistance turnover ceremonies. Each family received P250,000 from the Go Negosyo Kapatid for Marawi initiative that saw some of the country’s biggest companies and business groups contributing as a show of gratitude for the sacrifices and heroism of the fallen heroes of Marawi.
Saying that “no amount could equal the loss of your loved ones,” President Duterte expressed his hope for the families to “find solace in the fact that the whole nation condoles with you in these trying times. Our troops knew of the danger that they will face upon their venture into the war zone. Still, they bravely took up the challenge so they can bring peace and liberation to the besieged city. The Philippines will be forever grateful for their heroism.”
During his speech, the President said an additional P1 million cash donation – totaling P101 million – would be given per family by a business tycoon who wanted to remain anonymous. In addition to the financial help and the pension coming from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, “there is one single soul with overwhelming magnanimity,
but I will not tell you who he is because he doesn’t want me to,” President Duterte announced in the vernacular.
People are still trying to guess the identity of the unnamed donor from the number of businessmen who were gathered at the Heroes Hall. We’re told the anonymous taipan is now at an age where he just wants to do something to help the country and support the initiatives of the government. He is into a number of businesses – one of which was reportedly in serious trouble several years ago, and yet the tycoon did everything he could to get it back up on its feet because he considered it a part of our national pride and treasure.
We have to hand it to our good friend Joey Concepcion – the Go Negosyo founder and presidential adviser for entrepreneurship (a pro bono appointment, by the way) – for initiating the Kapatid for Marawi program. For a man who grew up in wealth, he has dedicated his time, talent, resources and energy into empowering his fellow Filipinos and helping them become entrepreneurs, firmly believing that poverty can be addressed through entrepreneurship. From business caravans, summits and seminars, Go Negosyo has expanded its reach, calling on big business to help the people of Marawi and support the troops who are placing their lives on the line to keep the country safe from terrorists.
Among the business leaders who showed their support for the Go Negosyo inititive are Tessie Sy-Coson of the SM Group and BDO, Manny Pangilinan and the PLDT-Smart Foundation, Injap Sia of Double Dragon Properties, Jaime Zobel of Ayala Corp., and the Lucio Tan Group, among others. Business groups such as the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. and the Indian Chamber of Commerce were also present. Incidentally, Philippine Airlines provided two free tickets for each family so they could fly to Manila for the financial turnover.
“The events that have transpired in Marawi over the past weeks are truly heartbreaking. Many of our brave soldiers have laid down their lives in order to bring safety and peace amidst the violence and struggle. Through this occasion, we want to honor these courageous souls by showing that their fellow countrymen – from the government to the business sector – have not forgotten about their ultimate sacrifice and their loved ones who miss them greatly,” Joey said.
It was a highly emotional evening at the Palace, with everyone – not only the grieving families, but also the hundreds of guests – becoming teary eyed at watching the video tribute showing some of the widows sharing their grief at the passing of their loved ones. President Duterte said his heart breaks every time he reads the briefing papers, and he is the one who suffers the most because he declared martial law and sent the soldiers to fight in Marawi. But he gave his assurance that the families of the slain troops and police personnel would not be neglected. He also announced that an educational trust fund of P50 billion is being set up for the orphaned children.
“The overwhelming support from many, particularly the business sector, inspires our troops to carry out their duties. These things that Go Negosyo members and the business chambers are doing are setting a series of good karma, because good karma begets good karma. Hopefully this will be a precedent to encourage others to be more patriotic and nationalistic,” remarked Brigadier General Resty Padilla, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson.
He also expressed his gratitude to Go Negosyo which he said has been with them since day one. “Ramdam po ng mga tropa, kaya naman nakikita niyo mga sundalo natin, nasusugatan na’t lahat gusto pa ring bumalik at tapusin ang laban,” Padilla said, adding he hopes the conflict in Marawi would end soon.
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