Tulong Kapatid received an overwhelming response from Filipinos all over the world during its telethon for the victims of Typhoon Pablo. Not only was the group able to meet and exceed its Php100 million-target in six hours for the affected communities-Tulong Kapatid also encouraged other organizations to step up their efforts in responding to the pleas of those in need.
As the joint corporate social responsibility and disaster response initiative of the MVP Group of Companies, Tulong Kapatid led the rally of support for those severely affected by the recent typhoon. Despite the limited preparation time, the telethon saw Kapatid stars, news personalities and respected business leaders coming together for this worthy cause. The event was held both at the Kapatid Network’s Novaliches and Broadway studios and was simulcast over TV5, AksyonTV and Radyo Singko 92.3 NewsFM, pre-empting the Kapatid Network’s primetime programming.
Speaking from Seoul, group chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan shared in an interview with NEWS5 Chief Luchi Cruz-Valdes that a SMS from US Ambassador Harry Thomas last Sunday prompted him to initiate a telethon at the soonest possible time. He was also moved by accounts of MVP Group’s corporate social responsibility forces including TV5’s Alagang Kapatid Foundation and emergency response unit RESCUE5 who had seen Pablo’s wrath firsthand.
Addressing his fellow Filipinos, MVP urged individuals and corporations to give no matter how big or small: “Panahon ngayon ng Pasko. We cannot let our people down.” The renowned philanthropist also told survivors of Pablo not to lose hope despite unimaginable damages the super typhoon caused.
President Benigno S Aquino III also delivered a special message during the telethon and encouraged every Filipino to help in any way to help the people of Mindanao. “Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa TV5. Malaki po ang maitutulong ng inyong inisyatiba upang maipadama sa ating mga kababayan na hindi sila nag-iisa,” said the President.
NEWS5 Chief Luchi Cruz-Valdes led TV5’s news organization in delivering disaster recovery-related stories with anchors Cheryl Cosim, Raffy Tulfo and Erwin Tulfo who reported live from New Bataan in Compostela Valley.
On the entertainment front, Superstar Nora Aunor and Pinoy Explorer host Aga Muhlach were among the many celebrities who donated to the worthy cause. Kapatid stars and noted personalities like were also onhand as they took calls from fellow Filipinos keen to contribute what they could for the benefit of the communities affected by Pablo. SPORTS5’s Aaron Atayde and Jessica Mendoza, Team SMART Gilas Pilipinas 2.0 coach Chot Reyes and players from the Meralco Bolts and San Beda Red Lions also manned the phones