Some 3,500 poor families from Manila, Pasay, Quezon City, Makati, Taguig and Marikina joyfully welcomed the Chinese New Year when they received food packages through “Bags of Blessing” project of Metrobank, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
This gift-giving activity was initiated by Metrobank founder and Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty to share prosperity on the start of Chinese New Year. It also aimed to help poor families and victims of disaster by providing food packages which include, five kilos of rice, canned goods, sugar, coffee, cooking oil, noodles, and snack pack, among others.
During its kick-off ceremony held at the Universidad de Manila, Metrobank Foundation Inc. president and GT-Metro Foundation executive director Aniceto Sobrepeña said, “We are very pleased to have organized this activity for the past few years, as we are glad to know that we have been responding to the basic needs of our challenged brothers and sisters.”
“GT-Metro Foundation and GT Capital Holdings, together with the Metrobank Group and the Metrobank Foundation, are all hoping that we indeed send out a message of love and giving back to the community through this activity, as we extend a helping hand on their road to recovery,” Sobrepeña continued.
Pantawid Pamilya program beneficiaries, who were identified as poor through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) or Listahanan, were equally grateful for the blessings they received.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa mga bumubuo ng proyektong ito. Sa pamunuan ng Metrobank, pamilya Ty at DSWD na walang sawang tumutulong sa mga mahihirap na pamilya katulad namin, Salamat po. Kasama po namin kayo sa pagbabago, (We would like to thank everyone behind this project. Thank you to the management of Metrobank, Ty family, and DSWD which never gets tired in helping poor families like us.You are part of the positive changes in our lives),” Ms. Edna Chovosa, a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary expressed during the BOB project held in Makati City.
Metrobank disclosed that they tapped Listahanan to support the pro-poor initiatives of the DSWD. On this, DSWD-NCR Regional Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan said that this project showed convergence of efforts in helping the poor. Bonoan encourages other stakeholders to also utilize Listahanan in identifying beneficiaries of their programs and services.
The Metrobank allocated Php10 million to purchase food items which were distributed to 10,000 poor families nationwide. It is being organized by the GT- Metro Foundation, together with the Metrobank Group and GT Capital Holdings. Among its institutional partners are the DSWD, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Air 21, Happee, and the local government units. ###