The Bayanihan spirit is alive, 7000 miles away.
Taal Volcano eruption affected almost 500,000 lives and caused billions worth of damages in agriculture and infrastructure. This pushed the province of Batangas to declare a state of calamity.
Danger still lurks as the volcano is not yet completely at rest (currently at Alert Level 2). People are trying to rebuild their homes and livelihood but many are still staying in evacuation centers that needs supplies to keep it running.
Donation drive across the world
The remittance office of BDO Unibank in Barcelona, Spain made an initiative for distressed victims of this recent calamity. Filipinos in the area can drop off in-kind donations at the designated drop-off boxes. The BDO Remit Spain team reached out to various Filipino communities and businesses in Barcelona. St. Agustin Parish also helps in spreading the word on the said charitable efforts through regular announcements during Sunday mass and posting of promotional materials within the church premises.
“We have already filled up the first box of donations and is now on our 2nd box. More people are now donating and sending as a result of our info drive,” said Gerard Ian M. Belarmino, marketing officer in BDO Remit Spain. “We are receiving positive responses from our Kabayans for our efforts especially the waived fees for those who want to donate anonymously. Filipino community leaders are also grateful to us for accepting coin donations to be remitted to the Philippines.”
It also helps that most Filipinos living in Barcelona hail from Batangas and Cavite. BDO Foundation, the company’s corporate social responsibility arm, will receive the boxes for distribution to affected areas.
Changing lives with coins
Local banks in Spain charge commissions for every coin transaction. By remitting this through BDO, every Euro cent would be sent to the Taal victims. These coin donations have totaled to 700 Euros to date.
BDO has waived remittance fees on cash donations sent through different BDO Remit offices since January 14. This campaign will run until March 31, 2020. Different foundations, on which BDO courses through the donations, will facilitate the purchase and distribution of relief goods. This includes BDO Foundation, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc., GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc., and the Philippine Red Cross.
BDO has extensive remittance coverage across the globe, with overseas remittance offices and partners across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Aside from the different BDO Remit offices, the Bank’s global remit partners are also receiving cash donations for the benefit of the Taal eruption victims, including Remitly, Small World, WorldRemit, Azimo, UAE Exchange Centre, and Xpress Money. Regular remittance charges apply.
