A total of 25,000 families all over the country received bags containing food items that beneficiaries could use for noche buena.
The foundation started the annual initiative back in 2020 as part of efforts to aid economically disadvantaged communities during the Christmas season.
Now on its third year, Handog sa ‘Yo ng BDO Foundation was implemented in partnership with Caritas Philippines, the social arm of the Catholic Church in the country, as well as Tanging Yaman Foundation, a non-profit organization that links donors with beneficiaries. Conducted simultaneously over two days in various locations, the program was also made possible by BDO and BDO Network Bank volunteers from head offices and branches.
Volunteers distributed food packs in Caloocan City, Quezon City, Malabon, Manila, Muntinlupa, Novaliches, Pasay City, Pasig City and Taguig City.
Handog sa ‘Yo also reached communities in Aurora, Biliran, Cagayan, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cotabato, Davao, Eastern Samar, Ifugao, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, La Union, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Leyte, Maguindanao, Marinduque, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Mountain Province, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Northern Samar, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Romblon, Sorsogon, Sulu, Surigao del Sur, Tarlac and Tawi-Tawi.
Writing on behalf of the San Antonio de Padua Parish in Quezon City, Parish Pastoral Council secretary Charles Mercado thanked BDO Foundation, saying, “Christmas is truly a season of joy, happiness and charity. It was a fulfilling and meaningful experience to see the smiles of our parish volunteers and neighbors after receiving these gifts.”
“We thank our sponsors, who served as instruments of God this Christmas season,” he added.