First Balfour employees, in coordination with ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya, successfully turned over last Friday, January 21, roofing materials for the house reconstruction of families affected by Typhoon Odette in Leyte. The roofing sheets distributed to the communities were bought from funds raised during the donation drive organized by HR-Employee Relations in late December 2021. First Balfour’s HR-Employee Relations team was able to pool a total of PhP 115,703 worth of cash and sick leave credits.
A portion of the funds were also used to provide construction materials for staff and workers whose houses were also damaged in Valencia, Negros Oriental. Project Manager Marlon Markines shared that three of their personnel on site had their homes completely damaged by strong winds and landslides. Thirteen more also needed support in the reconstruction of their roofs and kitchen areas.
Boxes of used clothes are also being prepared for turnover to Sagip Kapamilya for the typhoon victims in the Visayas. HR-Employee Relations Section Head Anchel Cruz shares, “I was actually surprised that we were able to raise enough funds since most people were already on their holiday breaks when we sent out a call for donations. We have been involved in various social causes over the past several years and I have seen firsthand how helpful and giving First Balfour employees are, especially to those in need.” Typhoon Odette was the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines last year, triggering forced evacuations after damaging more than a million houses in the southern and central regions.
