True to its mission of delivering timely assistance to those in need through its Operation Bayanihan disaster relief project, GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) acted swiftly with the help of donors and multi-sectoral partners as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine swept across Luzon, impacting areas including Bicol, Batangas, Cagayan, Isabela, and Quezon.
As of November 7, GMAKF was able to extend help to a total of 11,554 families or 46,216 individuals affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
Fund-raising efforts totaled Php 6,709,697.22 as of October 31. Donations in kind were also brought to the GMAKF warehouse facility to be repacked by volunteers, including Sparkle Artist Center talents and other Kapuso personalities.
Swift Response to Hard-Hit Areas
In close coordination with the AFP’s Southern Luzon Command, the 9th, 5th and 2nd Infantry Divisions and the Presidential Security Command, GMAKF was able to reach areas in the Bicol region, which was hardest hit by Kristine.
In Libon, Albay, GMAKF deployed teams to distribute relief goods to 2,878 families or 11,512 individuals. Additional airlifting operations to Bula, Camarines Sur brought relief goods to 408 families or 1,632 individuals. Distribution efforts in the province provided relief goods to 1,518 families or 6,072 individuals. In Bato and Minalabac, the foundation, with the United Architects of the Philippines, distributed additional relief packs for 800 families or 3,200 individuals.
Meanwhile, the Kapuso Soup Kitchen provided food to 500 individuals in Naga City.
GMAKF’s relief distribution efforts in the municipalities of Catanuan, Lopez, and San Francisco in Quezon province benefited 1,220 families or 4,800 individuals. The Kapuso Soup Kitchen in Catanauan also fed 350 individuals.
GMAKF also launched relief operations in Batangas, where areas such as Lipa City was rendered impassable due to floods. Distribution efforts reached the municipalities of Bauan, Agoncillo, Nasugbu, Lemery, and Talisay providing aid to 2,902 families or 11,608 individuals.
Relief efforts also reached the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela. On-the-ground teams deployed by GMAKF to various parts of Tuguegarao City fed 200 individuals through the Kapuso Soup Kitchen, and distributed relief goods to 826 families or 7,304 individuals.
In Isabela, GMAKF provided relief goods to 1,002 families or 4,008 individuals.
GMA Stars Stepping Up
As GMAKF teams traveled to severely affected areas, GMA Network’s roster of talents also played a vital role in relief efforts.
Sparkle Artist Center talents John Vic De Guzman, Charlie Fleming, Javi Valdes, Maika Kemmochi, Herlene Budol, and Kim Perez, Migs Villasis, Alethea Ambrosio, Aidan Veneracion, together with Dingdong Dantes and Unang Hirit host Suzi Entrata-Abrera joined repacking activities of relief goods donated at the GMAKF warehouse.
Meanwhile, Sparkle stars Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, Betong Sumaya, and Ruru Madrid participated in Operation Bagyong Kristine: Telethon. They were also joined by Shuvee Etrata, Sean Lucas, Jenzel Angeles, and Regular Kapuso Volunteers Nadj Zamblan and Tessbomb.
Throughout the day, more Sparkle artists took part in receiving pledges at the telethon: Michelle Dee, Glaiza de Castro, Yasser Marta, Kyline Alcantara, Eunice Laguslad, Kristoffer Martin, Martin del Rosario, Martin Javier, Kate Valdez, Paul Salas, Rocco Nacino, Melissa Gohing-Nacino, Migs Almendras, Nikki Van, Olive May, Marco Masa, Ashley Sarmiento, Jayson Gainza, Zephanie, Sofia Pablo, Matthew Uy, Michael Sager, Lauren King, Josh Ford, and Ai-Ai delas Alas. They were also joined by Christian Bautista, Gabby Eigenmann, Tom Rodriguez, Glenda Garcia, Ariel Villasanta, Arthur Solinap, and Lovely Rivero.
A Commitment to Recovery
GMAKF continues to provide assistance to those impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, starting with its Give-A-Gift Christmas Project. 4,000 school children at the kindergarten level until the sixth grade in Camarines Sur received Noche Buena Packs. The Foundation has also launched efforts to support Batanes communities affected by Super Typhoon Julian and Typhoon Leon, with 2,100 Noche Buena packs and construction materials to aid them in rebuilding efforts. The recent Typhoon Marce affected Batanes as well, and GMAKF is set to provide the people of Basco, Itbayat and Sabtang with 1,000 food packs.
For more details on how to donate to the GMA Kapuso Foundation, visit www.gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation/donate.
