DigiPlus, BingoPlus Foundation give ₱37M aid to families of Typhoon Kristine casualties in largest relief effort to date

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In response to the devastating impact of Typhoon Kristine, BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive, formally distributed ₱37 million in financial aid to families affected by Typhoon Kristine. In the wake of 148 confirmed casualties nationwide, at least ₱250,000 was committed to each bereaved family, as a symbol of compassion and support for their journey to recovery. The initiative started with 39 bereaved families during a turnover ceremony on November 10, at Talisay New Municipal Grounds in Batangas and will continue in several parts of the country. This pledge will continue to support affected families in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

First Lady Lisa Araneta-Marcos, alongside DigiPlus Interactive Chairman Eusebio Tanco and DSWD Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez, personally handover financial aid to families affected by Typhoon Kristine in Batangas. This forms part of the Php37 Million pledged by DigiPlus Interactive in support, especially for the recovery of bereaved families of 148 casualties nationwide.

First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez and DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco were joined by Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Talisay Mayor Nestor Natanauan, Bacolod Mayor Albie, BingoPlus Foundation COO Celeste Jovenir and local leaders and community members to personally hand over the financial aid. The event highlighted the Foundation’s mission to multiply the good by extending meaningful support to Filipinos in their time of greatest need.

Typhoon Kristine, one of the year’s most devastating storms, left a trail of destruction across South Luzon, with severe flooding and landslides resulting in significant loss of life and damage to property. Talisay, particularly impacted by landslides in Batangas, is one of the focus areas of the Foundation’s relief efforts as the entire province was declared in a state of calamity.

DigiPlus extends its largest relief effort to date, underscoring its dedication to resilience and meaningful impact. Through BingoPlus Foundation, the company’s commitment stands as a beacon of resilience and compassion in times of crisis.

“The BingoPlus Foundation exists to provide more than financial aid; it is about creating hope, resilience, and real change,” said DigiPlus Interactive Chairman Eusebio Tanco. “The work of the BingoPlus Foundation is a true reflection of our belief in giving back without holding back, of reaching out to lift up those in need, and of multiplying the good in every way possible.”

The provision of financial assistance builds on BingoPlus Foundation’s prior support initiatives for Typhoon Kristine victims. In collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s National Resource Operations Center (DSWD NROC), the Foundation provided cavans of rice, benefiting at least 750 families, and mobilized volunteers to help repack and distribute critical supplies for affected provinces.

With a mission to “multiply the good” in the heart of communities, BingoPlus Foundation joins hands with the DSWD in delivering financial aid and livelihood assistance to families affected by Typhoon Kristine, starting with nearly 40 families bereaved due to a landslide in Talisay, Batangas.

In partnership with the National Resource Operations Center of the DSWD and ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya, BingoPlus Foundation provides essential relief to families affected by Typhoon Kristine in Isabela, Aurora, Camarines Norte and other provinces.

Together with ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya, BingoPlus Foundation also extended support to 1,000 families impacted by Typhoon Kristine in Isabela, Aurora, Pangasinan and Quezon. These immediate actions underscore the Foundation’s dedication to its resilience pillar, showcasing its commitment to making a difference when communities need it most.

“The BingoPlus Foundation stands by our communities not only with aid but with resilience, unity, and hope,” said Tanco. “In moments like these, our commitment to making a difference is stronger than ever.”

Since its inception, the Foundation has allocated over ₱100 million across projects nationwide, addressing urgent community needs through healthcare, livelihood programs, and educational grants. Through partnerships with local and national organizations, the Foundation has established PLUS Centers in Negros, Cebu, and General Santos, creating resource hubs designed to empower communities by offering critical resources such as health programs, livelihood support, and skills training. Each center is a lasting symbol of the Foundation’s commitment to sustainable community development.

Globe encourages Pinoys to access its lifelines: HOPELINE, HEALTHNOW, BANTAY BATA #163

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To ensure that Filipinos are able to cope with mental and physical health concerns brought about by the pandemic, Globe encourages the public to access its “lifelines” such as Hopeline to receive FREE 24/7 mental health support, HealthNow to access health services, and Bantay Bata #163 to report domestic and child abuse.

 

Hopeline is a round-the-clock suicide prevention and crisis support desk of Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF) created in 2012 with Globe providing the necessary technology for its operations. Since then, the hotline has received over 43,000 calls mostly related to depression, suicidal thoughts, and relationship problems in the last 2 years.

 

Those who are in emotional crisis and in need of immediate assistance, may contact the hotline through 2919 (toll-free for all Globe and TM subscribers), (02) 804-HOPE (4673) or 0917 558 HOPE (4673).

 

“The uncertainties that surround us are a cause for anxiety and concern for many which could take its toll on our mental well-being. We intend for Hopeline to serve as a lifeline to those in need of support, and eventually help ease their burden,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

 

The Department of Health (DOH) reported almost 600 suicide-related calls during the months of January and February 2021 alone. The National Center For Mental Health (NCMH) hotline also receives an average of 1,002 monthly calls, with suicide calls accounting for 289 each month.

 

These staggering figures have given rise to the importance of mental health support platforms that people can easily access. Thus, NGF also partnered with telehealth service integrator HealthNow to give the public more ways to reach the hotline. With the partnership, Hopeline can now be accessed in the HealthNow app’s Urgent Help button which can be found on the app’s welcome page.

 

“Hopeline Philippines is here to help those with depression and those going through emotional crises especially now during these trying times. It just takes one call to save a life to suicide. One line, one call, one life. Be one with us,” said Jean Goulbourn, President and Founder of Natasha Goulbourn Foundation.

 

HealthNow is a joint undertaking of 917Ventures and AC Health. It is a mobile app that helps patients conveniently consult with a doctor, buy medicine for delivery, and schedule clinic appointments without leaving their homes.  The app may be downloaded from Play Store for Android and App Store for iOS.

 

Globe likewise continues to support the ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.’s Bantay Bata #163 Helpline, which is free for all Globe and TM mobile phone users. It allows anyone to report child abuse especially during this period when children are at home most of the time. To call, simply dial #163.

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9 which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs. 

 

To know more about Globe’s sustainability efforts, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html#gref

 

Knowledge Channel ready to work with gov't in distance learning

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As the government shifts to distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Knowledge Channel is ready to share its video lessons that could reach as many as 7.6 million students, a huge portion of the 27 million expected to enroll this school year.

“Knowledge Channel is prepared to work with the government. We have created and acquired more than a thousand video lessons, all based on the K - 12 curriculum of the Department of Education and these are ready for use,” Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) director for operations Edric Calma said. 

For 21 years, KCFI has developed and acquired multimedia educational materials that public schools nationwide, especially in remote regions used to enhance teaching and learning. They are aired over Knowledge Channel and used for instruction by KCFI-trained teachers and are also designed for home-based learning. Before ABS-CBN went off the air on May 5, Knowledge Channel aired over SKYcable, SKYdirect, ABS-CBN TVplus, and other cable and direct to home satellite TV providers, reaching millions of students. 

According to Calma, KCFI has developed into video format 50% of the most essential learning competencies (MELC) that DepEd requires to be taught for the school year, and that KCFI can easily develop the remaining 50%. 

Knowledge Channel’s method of using TV technology has proven to improve the performance of children in school. Studies conducted by the DLSU La Sallian Institute for Development and Educational Research and the UP Statistical Center for Research Foundation's Impact Study for Proficient Measures for Quality Education revealed that children who were taught using Knowledge Channel video lessons performed better in tests. 

“The most essential learning competencies are the minimum curriculum-prescribed skills that students must acquire,” Calma said.

Calma stressed that the 21st century DepEd curriculum is about understanding and creating designs, systems and processes, unlike in the past when students were just required to memorize. 

“Subjects like mathematics and the sciences involve understanding of processes, and they need to be visually illustrated for kids to understand,” he said, adding “with this kind of curriculum, we need TV.” 

Calma said that Knowledge Channel’s multimedia resources also teach kids critical thinking. 

“Children’s critical thinking and creativity are triggered by video lessons because we challenge them with questions at the beginning, halfway through and at the end of the episode,” Calma said.

Alice Panares, who sits in the board of the National Council for Children's Television, said that the government is faced with the near-impossible task of training a 900,000-strong teaching workforce to teach students using media before the August opening of classes. 

To address this problem, Panares suggested that Knowledge Channel be tapped at the very onset of the distance learning program. 

“While the teachers are being trained, why not tap first the lessons of Knowledge Channel since it already has existing materials,” Panares said, adding that “Knowledge Channel has done a very complete work in educating the students in different areas.”

Panares said that Knowledge Channel is ready with the different subjects that are already in the form of TV lessons made for different grade levels. “I’ve watched many of the lessons and they are ready for airing for the DepEd,” she said.

KCFI president and executive director Rina Lopez Bautista appealed that KCFI be given the chance to share with the government its expertise for the sake of the children. 

Lopez Bautista said, “We believe that learning must continue for all and that no child should be left behind. We appeal to our lawmakers and the Filipino people to recognize ABS-CBN’s contributions to education and that ABS-CBN is granted a new franchise so that we can again reach the children no matter where they are in the Philippines. The Knowledge Channel Foundation continues, and will be working to continue to be in the service of Filipino children.” 

Watch “Ang Huling El Bimbo” Musical Stream Online

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Full House Theater Company has just announced that OPM musical Ang Huling El Bimbo will be streaming online this May!

Initially opening in July 2018, the production has had three runs at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, with the most recent run closing in August 2019. Set to the music of 90’s band The Eraserheads, the show is written by Dingdong Novenario, with musical direction by Myke Salomon, dramaturgy by Floy Quintos, set design by Gino Gonzales, lighting design by Monino Duque, sound design by Rards Corpus, costume design by Marlon Rivera, and direction and choreography by Dexter M. Santos.

The musical tells the story of three friends who have drifted apart in adulthood until fate reunites them to confront their haunted past.

The cast in the final run featured a mix of original and returning cast members– Gian Magdangal and David Ezra as Hector, OJ Mariano and Myke Salomon as Emman, Jon Santos and Rafa Siguion-Reyna as Anthony, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (also associate director) and Carla Guevara Laforteza as Joy, Reb Atadero and Bibo Reyes as Young Hector, Boo Gabunada and Vic Robinson as Young Emman, Lance Reblando and Phi Palmos as Young Anthony, Tanya Manalang and Gab Pangilinan as Young Joy, Sheila Francisco as Tiya Dely, and Jamie Wilson and Jonathan Tadioan as Banlao. Paolo O’Hara also joined the cast as alternate to Banlao.

The online initiative is for the benefit of ABS-CBN Foundation’s Pantawid ng Pag-ibig. The show will only be available for 48 hours, from May 8, 12:01am until May 9, 11:59pm. 

You can watch it on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube page and on the ABS-CBN Facebook page.

ABS-CBN Foundation's Campaign “We Believe in The Power of Good” launch with celebrity Ambassadors Piolo Pascual, Bea Alonzo, Gerald Anderson, Robi Domingo and Jodi Sta. Maria

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ABS-CBN Foundation International has made international headlines recently for stellar achievements: its record-breaking North America fundraising telethon partnership with ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel (TFC) and its news program, Balitang America, to help victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) through its program Sagip Kapamilya in 2013; its Norcal Emmy Award for its “Fighting For Survival” PSA with Filipino American middleweight mixed martial artist and UFC fighter Mark Munoz under the category Spot Announcements-Community Public Service (PSA) Single Spot or Campaign; and the 18th anniversary celebration in March this year in Hollywood for its program Bantay Bata (Child Watch)

But ABS-CBN Foundation International wants people to know that it has much more to offer to people who want to help. Thus, it launched its “We Believe in The Power of Good” campaign and was joined by top Filipino celebrities as campaign ambassadors: Bea Alonzo for Bantay Bata; Gerald Anderson for Sagip Kapamilya; Robi Domingo for Programa Genio; Jodi Sta Maria for BayaniJuan; and Piolo Pascual for Bantay Kalikasan.

“The ‘We Believe in The Power of Good’ campaign is a movement that we created to bring positive change to the lives of millions in the Philippines through our various programs,” said ABS-CBN Foundation International Managing Director Jo Ann Kyle. “We have partnered with business owners and/or corporations who believe in what we’re doing and also developed a Power of Good seal which is awarded to our partners/donors who are one with us in serving the community. The ‘power of good’ is not just kind words and good intentions, though they are an inherent part of it; but it is more of positive energy and meaningful outcomes resulting from authentic, responsible and strategic acts of goodness. We are grateful to our celebrity ambassadors for believing in this and we invite everyone to join us in this movement.”

ABS-CBN Foundation International’s “We Believe in The Power of Good” Seal

Below are the core programs of ABS-CBN Foundation International:

SAGIP KAPAMILYA (Family Rescue) – Advocacy: Disaster Relief – conducts disaster relief and humanitarian assistance in calamity-stricken areas with the aim of enabling affected victims, families and communities rebuild their lives and begin sustainable rehabilitation programs.

PROGRAMA GENIO (Program Genius) – Advocacy: Education – Programa Genio envisions discovering and developing the inherent genio or genius in every child. The program, which works in cooperation with the school division of the Department of Education, aims to propagate school reform in public elementary schools and bring quality education to the underprivileged.

BANTAY BATA (Child Watch) – Advocacy: Child Welfare – Asia’s model for child welfare program that rescues, protects, rehabilitates and educates sick, abused and at-risk children

BAYANIJUAN (Juan’s Town) – Advocacy: Community Development – BayaniJuan is a community development, relocation and outreach program where we teach locals the skills and livelihood to become self-sufficient and uplift their quality of life; it also aims to provide underprivileged families and informal settlers a sense of rootedness and acess to basic services.

BANTAY KALIKASAN (Nature Watch) – Advocacy: Environment Conservation & Protection – our program that supports the cause of environmental and natural heritage conservation and the socio-economic uplifting of local Philippine communities through the principle of sustainable development and development of ecotourism sites.

For more information on how to be part of “We Believe in The Power of Good”, visit http://www.abscbnfoundation.org