Tulong Kapatid, the consortium of companies and foundations under the leadership of Manuel V Pangilinan, strengthened its commitment to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Tulong Kapatid provided over 10,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the AFP, while Makati Medical Center donated an additional 3,000 doses. The group also turned over its financial assistance to families of soldiers who perished in the C-130 plane crash in Patikul, Sulu, last year. This donation was spearheaded by PLDT, Smart, PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), and One Meralco Foundation (OMF) through the PayMaya platform.
“Through the leadership of our Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan, we have been committed partners with the Armed Forces of the Philippines during various natural calamities, armed conflict, and the pandemic. Our partnership has grown stronger and sustainable through the years, because the private and public sectors can accomplish more together. For as long as resources are available, we shall remain true and committed to the AFP who, in turn, have helped and protected our nation,” PLDT and Smart President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio said on behalf of the MVP group.
“The private-public partnership has been going on for years now. It is this kind of collaboration that goes deep into the different ranks – that we see how the civilians are ready to help the people. Even in far-flung and grassroots communities, we see how help goes a long way. This partnership is a testament of that. We are fortunate that we have partners from the MVP group who constantly give us these donations. This support has helped the AFP in more ways than one,” said Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana.
In support of the Makati Medical Center Foundation (MCF) and AFP partnership, PLDT donated five computers for the AFP Dental Records Information Management System (DRIMS), along with technology and connectivity support for Philippine Navy Medical Information Computerized System (MedICS). The MVP group also donated 30 emergency bicycles for MMCF’s Hospital-In-A-Bike Project, in partnership with PSF, Maynilad, Women-In-Action Gretchen Ho, Israel Embassy, and the MASHAV Program.