CARD MRI provides relief to victims of impending Taal eruption

In the wake of the tragedy brought upon by the recent Taal Volcano activity, CARD MRI, a social development organization, has provided relief to the affected communities. 

Among the primary services administered by the institution is the provision of the CARD MRI Disaster Relief Assistance Program (CDRAP). 

CDRAP is a non-financial service that aims to give immediate assistance to affected CARD members in disaster-inflicted areas. Through the program, members receive food, medicine pack, face masks and hygienic kits. 

As of January 16, 2020, there are 34,401 reported families affected by the said eruption. To date, a total of 16,851 CDRAP packs amounting to more than P4.12 million has been distributed in the affected areas.

Moreover, CARD MRI spearheaded a clothing donation drive via its social media accounts. Drop-off stations are located at CARD MRI Head Office in San Pablo City, Laguna; and CARD SME Bank branches in Sto. Tomas, Tanauan, and Lipa, Batangas. 

In our three-day run of our donation drive, the institution has received a total of 5,100 bottles of drinking water in various sizes, 15 boxes of donated clothes, around PHP 50,000 in cash and cash pledges and other forms of assistance through its offices nationwide.

Said CARD MRI Founder and Chair Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, the recent tragedy brought CARD MRI closer to the community it serves. “It is in these moments when our support to our fellow Filipino men is needed. A crucial part of fulfilling our goal of ending poverty is being ready to respond immediately in times when calamities strike. For as long as we can, we are here to serve.”

Working as one

While CARD MRI has an established disaster management response that provides immediate relief to affected families, it is encouraging like-minded individuals and organizations to extend help to affected communities.

“We have more thousands of clients in affected communities. With our field officers on ground, our disaster relief operations are quick and efficient. We welcome organizations and individuals who are interested in joining our cause,” CARD MRI Managing Director Flordeliza L. Sarmiento explained.

One of the partners of CARD MRI who responded to its donation drive is corporate giant Aboitiz Group. The conglomerate has donated boxes of bottled water to be distributed to evacuation centers. 

Meanwhile, distribution of relief packs to evacuation centers were made possible in partnership with local government units (LGU) and local offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“We are happy with the help we receive from our partners, most especially from the local communities. This proves that no matter our social status or line of work, we can work as one to help the less fortunate,” ended Sarmiento.

For those interested in joining CARD MRI’s donation drive, you may contact Atty. Jhun Aliman at (+63 49) 562-4309 or (+63 929-704-5756).