Tulong Kapatid raises over P100M for Typhoon Pablo victims

CEBU, Philippines -  Tulong Kapatid received an overwhelming response from Filipinos all over the world during its telethon for the victims of Typhoon Pablo. Not only was the group able to meet and exceed its P100 million target in six hours for the affected communities-Tulong Kapatid also encouraged other organizations to step up their efforts in responding to the pleas of those in need.

As the joint corporate social responsibility and disaster response initiative of the MVP Group of Companies, Tulong Kapatid led the rally of support for those severely affected by the recent typhoon. Despite the limited preparation time, the telethon saw Kapatid stars, news personalities and respected business leaders coming together for this worthy cause. The event was held both at the Kapatid Network's Novaliches and Broadway studios and was simulcast over TV5, AksyonTV and Radyo Singko 92.3 NewsFM, pre-empting the Kapatid Network's primetime programming.

Speaking from Seoul, group chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan shared in an interview with NEWS5 Chief Luchi Cruz-Valdes that an SMS from US Ambassador Harry Thomas last Sunday prompted him to initiate a telethon at the soonest possible time. He was also moved by accounts of MVP Group's corporate social responsibility forces including TV5's Alagang Kapatid Foundation and emergency response unit RESCUE5 who had seen Pablo's wrath firsthand.

Addressing his fellow Filipinos, MVP urged individuals and corporations to give no matter how big or small: "Panahon ngayon ng Pasko. We cannot let our people down." The renowned philanthropist also told survivors of Pablo not to lose hope despite unimaginable damages the super typhoon caused.

President Benigno S Aquino III also delivered a special message during the telethon and encouraged every Filipino to help in any way to help the people of Mindanao. "Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa TV5. Malaki po ang maitutulong ng inyong inisyatiba upang maipadama sa ating mga kababayan na hindi sila nag-iisa," said the President.

On the entertainment front, Superstar Nora Aunor and Pinoy Explorer host Aga Muhlach were among the many celebrities who donated to the worthy cause. Kapatid stars and noted personalities were also onhand as they took calls from fellow Filipinos keen to contribute what they could for the benefit of the communities affected by Pablo. SPORTS5's Aaron Atayde and Jessica Mendoza, Team SMART Gilas Pilipinas 2.0 coach Chot Reyes and players from the Meralco Bolts and San Beda Red Lions also manned the phones  during the telethon.

Tulong Kapatid's telephone lines remain open for cash pledges. You may call hotlines 689-555/671-5555/936-5555 for your pledge and inquiries. You can also help by texting Tulong <amount> to 4483 for Smart, Talk N' Text and Sun Cellular. Donations via Paypal can be sent to Alagang Kapatid's Paypal account.

For cash donations, interested parties may deposit through the Alagang Kapatid Foundation's peso account at BDO (savings account number 00-5310-410164 with swift code BNORPHMM), CITI Bank (savings account number 0757138018 with swift code CITIPHMX) and BPI (savings account number 1443-05333-2 with swift code BOPIPHMM) under the name of Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc.

For Kapatids overseas who want to donate to the cause, they may do so via the following US dollar accounts: BDO account number 10-5310-46264-4 with swift code BNORPHMM; CITI Bank account number 0757138026 with swift code CITIPHMX; and BPI account number 1444-0214-85 with swift code BOPIPHMM. Cash donations may also be coursed through Cebuana Lhuillier outlets nationwide. (FREEMAN)