PITMASTER Foundation has given away P100 million worth of cash donations and testing kits to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in response to the alarming spread of the dreaded Covid-19 in the thickly-populated Metro Manila.
According to Pitmaster Executive Director lawyer Caroline Cruz, the foundation wants mass testing in every city in the National Capital Region (NCR) to help the government in its fight against the rampaging virus.
Metro Manila ranks as one of the thickly populated areas in the country, having a population of 13,484,462 based on the latest census. The number accounts for 12.37% of the country’s total population.
“Ito po ang aming ambag sa pamahalaan para magkaroon ng Covid mass testing sa bawat lungsod dito sa NCR, para kaagad ma-isolate ang mga may sakit at hindi na po makahawa ng kapamilya o katrabaho. (This is our contribution to the government to have mass testing in every city at NCR, and immediately isolate those infected to avoid the virus spread among families and co-workers),” said Cruz.
Many of the government offices, industries and countless offices are within the highly-urbanized cities in the NCR, thus making it highly susceptible to the rapid spread of the virus.
“Ayon po kasi sa mga eksperto, ang hindi maagap na detection ng may Covid and dahilan kaya mabilis po ang pagkalat ng Covid sa NCR ngayon. (According to experts, lack of early detection of Covid patients has been causing rapid spread of the virus at NCR),” noted Cruz.
Cruz stressed that the Foundation’s chairman, Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang, wants to see that all residents in the NCR undergo testing, especially those who have symptoms.
“Gusto po ng aming chairman na si Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang na kung maari lahat ng tao sa NCR ay ma-testing, lalo na po yung may symptoms. (If he can have his way, our chairman, Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang, wants all residents at NCR, especially those with symptoms, to undergo testing),” said Cruz.
Cruz personally handed over the P50 million cash and P50 million worth of testing kits to the MMDA in a simple ceremony witnessed by Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Epimaco Densing (Chairman, Taskgroup of Communities Response, IATF), Department of Health NCR Director Dr. Gloria Balboa, MMDA Deputy Chairman Frisco San Juan and MMDA General Manager Atty. Don Artes at the Ynares Sports Arena in Rizal.
In response, the MMDA promised to distribute the cash donations and the testing kits to local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila.
Cruz said that Pitmaster Foundation has remained open to those in need of dialysis and chemotherapy requirements only.
“Pumunta lang po kayo sa aming website at magparehistro. Kami na po ang bahala sa gastos. (Just proceed to our website and register. We will take care of the expenses),” said Cruz.
