The Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF) is spearheading the nation’s recovery from Super Typhoon Odette, also known internationally as Rai, which struck in December 2021, causing widespread devastation across multiple regions.
The recovery phase seeks to ensure a comprehensive rehabilitation of the affected areas. MPIF president Melody del Rosario stressed the foundation’s end-to-end approach to disaster resilience.
“Our commitment goes beyond immediate relief as we aim for complete recovery. We work collaboratively with local government units affected by Typhoon Odette by focusing on projects that address different facets of recovery,” said Del Rosario.
MPIF’s recovery projects encompass livelihood, food security, environmental sustainability and climate change resilience aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reflecting the dedication of the MVP Group of Companies to social responsibility.
The recovery phase is seeking to achieve goals such as zero poverty and hunger, good health and well-being, gender equality, decent work and economic growth and climate action.
Under the leadership of Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan, the MVP Group raised a total of P30 million with contributions from Mr. Pangilinan himself, First Pacific, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), Maynilad Water Services Inc., Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., Philex Mining Corp. and Benny Santoso.
These funds were used for immediate relief efforts through the MVP Group’s subsidiaries. In addition , Makati Medical Foundation, Alagang Kapatid Foundation and PLDT Inc. provided an immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services and relief assistance to help communities mitigate disaster risks.
Pangilinan, president and chief executive officer of MPIC andcChairman of the MVP Group of Companies, expressed his continued support for the post-Odette recovery programs, stressing the importance of holistic and sustainable initiatives in rebuilding affected communities.
“We are committed to the well-being of the Filipino people, especially in times of need. Our recovery efforts will be comprehensive, sustainable, and impactful,” he said.
The recovery phase also includes the repair and rehabilitation of the Tubattaha Ranger Station in Palawan, Cordova Mangrove Center in Cebu and the Del Carmen Mangrove Propagation and Information Center in Surigao Del Norte.
Projects set to begin in 2024 include the support of marine conservation and livelihood of local fish wardens, the repair of Del Carmen Women’s Livelihood Center, the replacement of the Loboc Youth Ambassadors Transport Service in Bohol and the protection of the Sab-a Basin Peatland forest.
The project also covers livelihood rebuilding, disaster risk reduction training and medical mission support for displaced communities in Leyte and the rehabilitation of the Balaring Mangrove Eco-Park.
It also includes support to fruit and vegetable production for farmers in the municipality of Kabankalan in Negros Occidental.