Hope and Light: DigiPlus, BingoPlus Foundation Delivers Resilience in Action in South Luzon

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DigiPlus Interactive, through its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation, continued efforts in promoting resilience in vulnerable communities by bringing its KabuhayanPLUS program in South Luzon regions. Anchoring on disaster response and sustainable livelihood, the Foundation delivered solar solutions in Mangyan Indigenous People (IP) communities in Mindoro and financial assistance to typhoon victims in Bicol Region as part of post-disaster recovery initiatives.

DigiPlus and BingoPlus Foundation delivers solar solutions in remote communities and recovery assistance to disaster-stricken families, as part of its KabuhayanPLUS resilience program.

Lighting Up IP Communities of Mindoro

Bright lights and bright smiles spread across the Mangyan Indigenous People (IP) community as BingoPlus Foundation trekked the mountains of Manalansay, Oriental Mindoro to provide solar lights and solar generators in response to Samahan ng Magbubukid ng Manaul or SaMa Manaul’s request for assistance to solve their electricity problems.

From the challenge of completing housework and studies in the dark, Mangyan households now benefit from solar powered lights from BingoPlus Foundation.

According to IP residents of Manaul, the lack of electricity has impacted their ability to maximize hours to produce their handicraft and other forms of livelihood. Children must also study despite the dark, reading by the furnace or with only a flashlight. Communications is also dependent on the ability to travel to the town proper to charge mobile phones.

“Even if I want to finish my work, I can’t because I can only work until there is light. As a mother, it really pains me to see my kids not being able to accomplish their requirements in school because it’s too dark to work at night,” said Liza Gayot, who’s been a long-time resident of Manaul. “I’m thankful for BingoPlus Foundation because you are the light of our life and home,” said Gayot. “After 20 years, we finally have lights in our own homes,” she added.

BingoPlus Foundation delivers its promise of supporting the Mangyan IP community’s decades-long challenge with electricity in the mountains of Mindoro.

Bringing Hope to Typhoon Victims in Bicol Region

Meanwhile, BingoPlus Foundation concluded its commitment to provide financial assistance to bereaved families of Super Typhoon Kristine, as part of a Php37 Million pledge initiated since November 2024. From January to February 2025, the Foundation collaborated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V in Bicol Region to provide financial aid to 74 affected families from Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Paul Ledesma and DSWD Regional Director Norman Laurio join BingoPlus Foundation Executive Director Angela Camins-Wieneke in a turnover ceremony in Pili, Camarines Sur.

The DSWD also donated family food packs, drinking water, hygiene supplies and first aid kits. The turnover ceremony held in Pili, Camarines Sur was joined by DSWD Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Paul Ledesma and DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio.

Janette Ojeda, a mother who lost her eldest son because of Typhoon Kristine, received her financial aid as she tries to continue living her life despite the tragedy she went through.

“Our hearts go out to all the families affected by Typhoon Kristine,” said Angela Camins-Wieneke, Executive Director of BingoPlus Foundation. “While the typhoon has since passed, the loss of loved ones – many of whom were breadwinners – is an additional burden to bear in the journey to recovery.” According to beneficiaries, the financial assistance of Php250,000 will be used not only for house repairs, but also to sustain the education of orphaned children and daily household needs of families left behind.

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About DigiPlus Interactive Corp.

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. DigiPlus also operates PeryaGame, Tongits+, and GameZone, with more to come. For more information, visit: www.digiplus.com.ph.

BingoPlus Foundation adds the “Plus” in health and livelihood initiatives in General Santos

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In line with its commitment to improving community health and livelihood, BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive, has successfully completed a series of initiatives in General Santos, under its KalusuganPLUS and KabuhayanPLUS programs. These efforts aim to address critical public health challenges while empowering vulnerable communities with sustainable economic opportunities.

KalusuganPLUS: Sanitation facilities benefit 3,000 residents

In a series of turnover ceremonies in September 2024, BingoPlus Foundation handed over five sanitation facilities in the barangays of San Isidro, Ligaya, Tinagacan, Calumpang, and Bawing. These essential facilities are expected to benefit nearly 3,000 residents, addressing a long-standing gap in access to clean water and proper sanitation. Notably, the barangay of Bawing is home to Badjao communities, which have historically faced challenges in accessing clean water and sanitation.

BingoPlus Foundation’s KalusuganPLUS and KabuhayanPLUS programs reach 3,000 residents in General Santos

This effort is in line with the Philippine Approach to Total Sanitation (PhATS), a nationwide initiative that promotes improved hygiene and sanitation practices, contributing to the achievement of local government units' (LGU) Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) campaign. PhATS emphasizes sustainable sanitation practices to prevent waterborne diseases and improve overall public health.

This initiative is particularly critical in the SOCCSKSARGEN region, where only 73.8 % of families have access to basic sanitation facilities, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority Annual Poverty Indicators Survey (March 2023). As lack of hygiene practices persist in some rural areas, this imposes a significant health risk in the region, which has also seen a return in polio cases. The newly built facilities address this gap, and BingoPlus Foundation is playing a pivotal role in safeguarding public health in one of the country’s most underserved areas. ​

BingoPlus Foundation turns over sanitation facilities to five barangays across General Santos City. (Turnover ceremonies were attended by the representatives of the local government unit of General Santos City, city health officers, members of the communities, and the BingoPlus Foundation team.

Lack of sanitation facilities and proper hygiene practices in underserved communities result in significant health risks, further impacting financial stability due to medical expenses and inability to work.

KabuhayanPLUS: Training Center welcomes graduates

Beyond health, BingoPlus Foundation is also empowering marginalized sectors through its livelihood programs. In partnership with Barangay San Isidro, the Foundation celebrated the graduation of the first batch of trainees from its Dressmaking and Tailoring Training Center, which opened last June. The center is now serving its second batch of trainees, and applications will be open for Batch 3 through the barangay.

BingoPlus Foundation attends the graduation ceremony of the first batch of sewing and tailoring livelihood graduates in Brgy. San Isidro, General Santos City; L-R: BingoPlus Program Manager, Paul Tamayo; Brgy. San Isidro Chairman, Edward Frederick Yumang; BingoPlus Foundation Executive Director, Angela Camins-Wieneke; and DOLE’s Livelihood Development Specialist, Rexzairel C. Baing

Graduates are able to produce various products and design creations for their livelihood. Right photo credit: JV Sacramento, livelihood member

Part of the PLUS Centers for Livelihood network, this center collaborates with TESDA to provide NC II Certification in dressmaking, equipping participants—many of whom are solo parents and women—with valuable skills for employment or entrepreneurship. The program provides an alternative source of income and a sustainable livelihood for many in the community, fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in the region.

Celeste Jovenir, DigiPlus Vice President for Investor Relations and BingoPlus Foundation COO, shares, “BingoPlus Foundation’s mission goes beyond providing aid; we’re here to uplift communities facing the toughest social challenges, from health and sanitation, to livelihood, in General Santos and beyond. Through KalusuganPLUS and KabuhayanPLUS, we’re empowering individuals to rise above their circumstances and build a future full of hope and opportunity."