Biz firms join humanitarian efforts in quake-hit areas in Mindanao

A group of companies in the service sector will be sending aid to areas in Mindanao in the southern Philippines affected by three powerful quakes that jolted the region in October.

PLDT Smart spokesperson Ramon Isberto told GMA News Online that Smart Communications, Inc. has provided tents to the Kidapawan City government and disaster office, while Libreng Tawag (free call) stations have been set up in Tulunan and Makilala in Cotabato.

Smart will also be sending 300 one-gallon bottles of distilled water to Kidapawan.

The PLDT Smart Foundation will deliver 1,000 food packs to quake-hit areas, while PLDT Inc. will provide 500 blankets to evacuees.

For its part, Maynilad Water Services Inc. will deploy water supplies to affected areas.

Likewise, the TzuChi Foundation, through the Makati Medical Foundation, will also send 200 folding beds with the aid of the Philippine Air Force.

Also, the One Meralco Foundation will deliver relief goods and 300 solar-powered lamps to Davao and Cotabato in coordination with the Alagang Kapatid Foundation and MIESCOR team.

Tulunan, Cotabato was the epicenter of three strong earthquakes that struck on October 16 (magnitude 6.3), 29 (magnitude 6.6), and 31 (magnitude 6.5).

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 21 people died, 432 injured, while two people were reported missing after the latest quake. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LBG, GMA News