Despite logistical constraints caused by COVID-19, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank successfully delivered aid in response to the eruptions of Bulusan in Sorsogon. Through relief operations organized by the foundation, volunteers from BDO and local parishes distributed packs containing food, rice and drinking water to 11 barangays in the municipalities of Casiguran and Juban for the benefit of over 3,100 families displaced by the disaster.

Residents of Casiguran, Juban and neighboring towns evacuated their homes due to the unrest of the volcano. One of the most active in the country, Bulusan triggered earthquakes, released steam and emitted plumes of ash, which covered villages in the aforementioned areas.

Responding to the devastation of Tropical Storm Agaton in the Visayas and Mindanao, BDO Foundation immediately conducted relief operations in the provinces of Capiz, Eastern Samar, Iloilo, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental and Leyte. The foundation mobilized church volunteers for the distribution of relief goods to more than 17,000 calamity-stricken families in 62 barangays in 19 municipalities.

“As Agaton devastated our town, it made us realize the consequences of our actions on the environment,” said Fr. Renante Salabe of the Parish of the Holy Child in Lemery, Iloilo. “Thank you, BDO Foundation, for the assistance you extended in these difficult times. We appreciate the generosity. Indeed, you are a great example of stewardship.”

Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Agaton, the strongest to hit the country so far this year, caused flash floods and landslides. Homes, infrastructure, farms and fisheries were damaged, prompting government authorities to declare a state of calamity in selected provinces.

BDO Foundation also provided relief goods in Mandaluyong City and Quezon City for disadvantaged communities affected by fire. The foundation tapped volunteers from the San Roque de Mandaluyong Parish and Holy Sacrifice Parish in Diliman to bring relief goods to 220 families left homeless by the disasters.

All these corporate citizenship initiatives were made possible with the support of officers of BDO and BDO Network Bank branches, local government officials, and police personnel.

BDO Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank. Founded in 2008, the foundation aims to contribute to nation-building by addressing the needs of underserved sectors of society through its disaster response and financial inclusion advocacies. 

Supported by the BDO Unibank community and in partnership with local government units and non-governmental organizations, BDO Foundation mounts relief operations, rehabilitates rural health units, constructs school buildings, implements financial education programs, and undertakes COVID-19 response programs across the country. 

Its corporate citizenship initiatives have been recognized at the Retail Banking Awards of Asian Banking & Finance magazine and Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards of Enterprise Asia. For more information, visit www.bdo.com.ph/foundation/home, e-mail bdo.foundation@bdo.com.ph, or call 8840-7000 local 36046.

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