Through an incredible partnership, BingoPlus, your comprehensive entertainment platform in the country, witnessed the BingoPlus Foundation donating a total of Php 15 million to the community during the BingoPlus Day Cebu Carnival last July 27, 2024.
Out of the Php 15 million donation, the BingoPlus Foundation dedicated Php 10 million to the families and individuals affected by the recent typhoon Carina. Given the destruction left behind, the Foundation immediately began relief operations in Metro Manila and several areas in Luzon. This quick response was guided by its Community Safety and Resilience advocacy, which aims to help Filipinos stabilize themselves before, during, and after disasters.
Moreover, the donation was set at Php 8 million but an additional Php 2 million was given at the end of the Cebu Carnival thanks to a crossover between the BingoPlus Foundation and Cornerstone.
“As Typhoon Carina intensified into a super typhoon, we knew that this would leave us with a terrible aftermath,” said DigiPlus Vice President of Investor Relations, Corporate Communications, and Sustainability Celeste Jovenir. “As we speak, we are mobilizing immediate relief efforts and post-disaster rehabilitation in various parts of Metro Manila and affected provinces, in coordination with the DSWD, LGUs and organizations.”
BingoPlus Foundation, as the social development arm of DigiPlus, is also directing efforts to the more capacity-building programs for Filipinos under the guidance of its four advocacies: Technology Education, Accessible Healthcare, Community Resilience, and Responsible Digitalization. Each of these advocacies are in compliance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and aim to create a digitally advanced and resilient Philippines.
“This is an aspect of the BingoPlus Day Cebu Carnival where we give back to the people,” said Andy Tsui, president of DigiPlus, during a pre-event press conference. “We always try to balance between having fun and being responsible nation builders and this is what we decided on.”
Likewise, Jasper Vicencio, president of AB Leisure Exponent, Inc., also said during the same press conference, “What makes the night more special is that aside from the fun and entertainment, BingoPlus will donate 8 Million Pesos of relief supplies to the affected family and community by the recent Typhoon Carina.“
Three of the Foundation’s beneficiaries were introduced during BingoPlus Day Cebu Carnival: the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II, the Philippine Accessible Disability Services Inc. (PADS), and the Municipality Of Dumanjug, Cebu.
The BingoPlus Foundation is providing a PLUS e-Center for Livelihood and Technology at the DSWD Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II, featuring computer sets for digital skills training and printing machines for application of design skills in tarpaulin and t-shirt printing – an investment of at least Php 1.5 Million. The Foundation aims to expand the job opportunities in the digital economy, especially persons with disabilities (PWDs), as computers will be equipped with audio software for the benefit of blind trainees. The e-center will further help graduates who cannot afford computers and internet for remote work yet, while the printing machines will help jumpstart small business operations. The vocational center currently accommodates 154 trainees.
“On behalf of DSWD, particularly Field Office 7, we are very much grateful and thankful to the BingoPlus Foundation for their kindest donation,” said Juanito C. Cantero, DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Operations for Region VII. “It will boost the confidence of our clients and moreover help them become more productive in the community.”
Meanwhile, PADS will be benefiting from the donation of Php 2 million which will be used for the construction of a PLUS Center for Adaptive Sports and Physical Rehabilitation. Indigent PWDs and recovering patients of stroke, paralysis and other conditions impacting mobility will receive free rehabilitation services. In partnership with the Mandaue LGU and Colleges of Rehabilitative Sciences in Cebu, doctors and medical specialists will also be able to refine their skills in the center. By providing accessible rehabilitation, PWDs are better able to gain employment and achieve social integration as PWD athletes, coaches and employees in other industries.
In regards to the donation, PADS representative and team captain of the PADS Adaptive Dragon Boat Racing Team Owen Loceno Paddler shared, in Cebuano, that his only dream is that what he has received will be received by others two-fold.
As part of healthcare and resilience efforts, BingoPlus Foundation aims to equip communities to be first-responders to their needs—such as in Cebu—a province experiencing challenges in sustainable access to clean water. The Municipality Of Dumanjug is receiving rainwater catchment tanks and clean water filtration systems across 11 barangays—a donation worth Php 1.5-million. BingoPlus Foundation aims to enable residents to convert water from natural sources, regardless of disasters, to mitigate the spread of water-borne diseases.
Dr. Reynilee Chrstine Cabilin, Department Head of the Municipal Health Office of Dumanjug, also expressed gratitude to the Foundation for the aid being extended, “We are so grateful for their generosity to our municipality. It’s so timely kasi yung Typhoon Carina, so this is really helpful for our people there, especially in the mountainous areas. With this, we are hoping to achieve a healthier Pilipinas and a healthier world.“
Notably, Kim Chiu had also acknowledged the Foundation’s efforts when she was introduced as BingoPlus’ newest ambassador. She said, “More than just being entertainers, both BingoPlus and I are passionate about helping the community. Through the BingoPlus Foundation, we are able to share the same beliefs and advocacies that emphasize creating a better Philippines.”
BingoPlus Day Cebu Carnival was an event made with the sole purpose of expressing BingoPlus’ gratitude to all its partners and supporters.
