MANILA, Philippines — As part of its Chinese New Year celebrations, GT Foundation Inc. (GTFI) and Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) virtually kicked off the “Bags of Blessing” gift-giving tradition last Feb. 11.
This year, priority beneficiaries are those whose livelihood was affected by the pandemic, survivors of recent natural calamities, members of indigenous peoples (IPs) tribes, select teachers, soldiers and police officers.
In total, 18,000 families from 33 sites and three sectors will receive food packages by presenting issued vouchers to identified supermarkets from Feb. 12 to 26.
Aid distribution is made in partnership with the National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA)/Caritas Philippines, through the assistance of select Metrobank branches.
“Today marks yet another milestone for us at the GT Foundation as we embark to widen the reach of the Bags of Blessing targeting an increased number of beneficiaries, from the usual 10,000 families to 18,000 families in 33 sites this time,” said GTFI president Alfred Ty.
“When I heard that I will be one of the recipients of the Bags of Blessing, I was filled with joy since it’s difficult to find a job during this period. Now that I’ve stopped working, this is a big help for my family,” said Reynaldo Baria, a beneficiary from Iloilo City.
“This year, we’re commemorating the 500th year of Christianity in the Philippines with the theme, ‘Gifted to Give.’
Bags of Blessing is the brainchild of the late Metrobank Group founder and chairman Dr. George Ty Siao Kian. It is inspired by the traditional ang pao, a red envelope containing cash used to deliver best wishes and luck.
Instead of cash-giving, specially designed red bags containing P1,000 worth of grocery items are distributed to indigent families.
Bags of Blessing carries the same message: that the language of giving transcends differences and prevails even over tough situations, MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña said.
“We’re grateful that GT Foundation became our partner in this initiative, and we’ll be able to fulfill and live out the aspiration of the Alay Kapwa program: to help our fellowmen especially during this time of pandemic. This is an inspiration to those who have the capacity to help,” Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said.
The Bags of Blessing kickoff ceremony was led by Metrobank Group chairman Arthur Ty, Federal Land chairman and GTFI president Alfred Ty, GTFI honorary chair Mary Ty, GTFI vice president Anjanette Dy-Buncio and Sobrepeña. Joining them were NASSA/Caritas Philippines executive secretary Fr. Antonio Labiao, NASSA/Caritas Philippines communications and partnership development coordinator Jing Henderson, and NASSA/Caritas Philippines head of resource generation and mobilization officer Analyn Julian.