The Aboitiz Group, through its social development arm the Aboitiz Foundation, has stepped up its relief efforts in North and Central Luzon, following the onslaught of Typhoon Lawin last October 2016. Collectively, Aboitiz business units have pledged P3.6 million for the relief efforts.

Cagayan & Isabela
In Cagayan and Isabela, 10 linemen from Davao Light & Power Co., five from Subic EnerZone [SEZ], and 10 from Visayan Electric Co., Inc. (led by Ryan Griva, SEZ Engineering Manager) assisted Cagayan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CAGELCO) as part of the National Electrification Commission’s Task Force Kapatid Typhoon Lawin power restoration effort.

From Oct. 28 to 30, 64 holes were dug, 25 poles erected, 12 poles re-erected, 60 poles dressed, nine transformers removed/installed, 10 steel pins/insulators changed, and 18 conductors tied in, covering a total of 16.9 circuit kilometers.

Also in Isabela, Aboitiz food business unit Pilmico Foods Corporation moved to help with P1 million worth of The Care Package donated to Isabela via the Philippine Association of Flour Millers (of which Pilmico is a member).

The Care Package, developed by Pilmico, contains 100-gram high-energy biscuits loaded with 450 kilocalories (equivalent to one full meal) each, designed as an efficient disaster relief solution that not only addresses hunger but provides adequate nutrition via a sustainable food supply.

Benguet & Mountain Province
In Benguet and Mountain Province, 80 volunteers from hydro power firms Hedcor Benguet and Hedcor Sabangan assembled 1,870 relief packs for distribution in various Benguet (Bakun, Itogon, La Trinidad, and Sablan) and Mountain Province (Bauko and Sabangan) towns.

“In times of need, it is our duty to step up and heed the call of service to our fellowmen when we can. We are grateful to our partners and the various Aboitiz team members who have put to action their passion to serve by always being ready to assist in times of disaster,” Sonny Carpio, Aboitiz Foundation Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said.

The Aboitiz Foundation is an organization of compassionate service, one that can be counted on to provide assistance to those in need as part of its thrust to promote Health & Well-Being for a BetterWorld. It is among the first to respond during disasters while providing access to medical services through the help of Aboitiz business units. In 2015, the Foundation provided essential relief packs to 4,669 families affected by typhoons throughout the year, with 114 team member volunteers nationwide.