PLDT-Smart Foundation, One Meralco Foundation stage ‘note-worthy’ concert
MANILA, Philippines - Music and artistic expression has the unique healing power to create meaningful transformation. Last June 11, these two sublime catalysts of change united to deliver a different kind of upliftment — a symphony of sounds that synergized partnerships among people as they came together for one noble cause.
Through the collaborative and funding efforts of PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) and One Meralco Foundation (OMF), together with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), “Rise! Rebuilding from the Ruins” was a concert for the benefit of Caritas Manila’s Damayan sa Haiyan rehabilitation program with maestro Ryan Cayabyab and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO). Held at the Manila Cathedral-Basilica, the well-attended event featured a multitude of musical talents with the special participation of Manila’s Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle.
PLDT-Smart Foundation, who led in organizing the fund-raising concert, and One Meralco Foundation, solidified their commitment to Caritas Manila by giving their respective checks worth P1 million each, in the hopes of catalyzing more support to raise the target P20 million to rebuild 20 chapels and churches in Samar and Leyte that came under the heaviest onslaught during Typhoon Yolanda.
Taking a different approach in supporting the rebuilding efforts, PLDT-Smart Foundation and One Meralco Foundation aim to draw people’s attention and action by way of music and art to rekindle hope, faith and better lives after Yolanda.
For his part, Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of PSF and OMF, said he is proud to support the advocacy concert because he “believes in the power of great talent, all the more when it is shared selflessly for the benefit of Filipinos who are recovering from the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda.”
“In our thousands of islands — recently in Bohol, in Cebu, in Leyte — the house of our Lord has always been the most reliable of structures. For churches have always been our first and final refuge — our shelter during typhoons, our sanctuary in earthquakes, and our safe harbor in war. Our group of companies will help in this fundraising, starting with a pledge of P10 million, for Caritas’ reconstruction project,” said Pangilinan in his opening remarks during the concert. “We do so, sharing in the urgency, and in the joy of service.”
“We really value our partners. It’s not just a matter of giving money or donations, it is more of letting people know of the good works that they do, and we want to help generate interest in our partner Caritas Manila,” said Santos. “Our chairman, Mr. Pangilinan, who is a patron of the arts and music as well as a philanthropist, is also member of Caritas Manila’s Board of Trustees, so we collaborate very closely with them.
Apart from this, Santos said that the foundation and other companies of the MVP Group are development sponsors of Tacloban and Capiz coordinating with the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery.
“We are helping in the construction of classrooms and public infrastructure, temporary shelter, utilities and also livelihood,” Santos added. “The amount we’re looking at now is not a lot, and rebuilding takes a lot of time. But what’s really important here is that we’re initiating steps to help hasten the process of recovery. These places of worship are vital not only for spiritual communing, they also act as multipurpose halls, as temporary classrooms, or evacuation centers during calamities, so we really need to have them built for such purposes.”
Citing the foundation’s other CSR projects, like the housing initiative in Davao Oriental for the victims of Typhoon Pablo, Santos said they are mapping out similar development plans in the months and years to follow.
“We’re always thinking sustainable, long-term and quality community shelter projects, especially if we’re targeting areas that are typhoon or calamity-prone,” she noted. “Rest assured that PSF is at the forefront of rebuilding our nation.”
