Ayala Foundation, GMA Kapuso Foundation, and Manila Water all joined forces to provide relief efforts to Taal evacuees at Manghinao Elementary School in Bauan Batangas, last Thursday.
The combined efforts of the three private companies provided some 276 residents the basic necessities to last from three to four weeks.
Ayala Foundation president Ruel Maranan said that they have assessed thoroughly the needs of the evacuees and distributed the precise amount of relief goods that will last for the long haul.
"Ang approach natin ay, ano ba ang kailangang tugunan? Sabi nga, sa alert four lang, puwede nang mangyari sa loob ng ilang oras o ilang buwan. Kaya hindi ito panandalian," the Ayala Foundation President Maranan said.
Children exposed to severe natural disasters might are vulnerable to psychological trauma. Maranan addressed this by coordinating with teachers and their arts and culture group for an art therapy for the children.
"Nagko-coordinate kami sa mga guro ngayon at hinihikayat 'yung arts and culture group namin para magkaroon ng art therapy. Kahit yung pagko-color para magkaroon ng dibersyon at maging creative," he said.
Ayala Foundation is also looking forward to leverage the use of technology so children can continue their education.
"At tinitingnan din namin kung paano magagamit ang teknolohiya para magamit natin at maituloy-tuloy yung pag-aaral ng mga bata," he said.
Maranan concluded that this disaster is a wake up call for Filipinos to let go of their individual beliefs and become unified to overcome this disaster.
"It takes nature to give us a wake up call. Na isantabi lahat, magtulungan, at ipakita natin na kayang kaya nating ibisan itong pagsubok na 'to," he concluded.
