Life as a Human- an interest magazine for evolving minds once stated on their article that “giving back in anyway, from simple donations to having a charity is impactful and meaningful, with endless ways to give back, just as there are endless ways in which doing so can have significance”.
Taal Volcano Eruption Drive,
Barangay Pansipit,
Agoncillo, Batangas
Community service is a great way to give back, and as part of UCPB Savings Bank’s (USB) Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, the Bank donated to 3 government and non-government
organizations during Taal Volcano’s phreatic eruption that spewed ashes across Calabarzon, Metro
Manila, and some parts of Central Luzon and Ilocos Region.
Aside from the ordeal the catastrophe caused, the basic needs have to be met by the affected
families. With this, USB donated food packs to 100 families in Barangay Pansipit, Agoncillo
Batangas last February 13, 2020. The community and Office of the Mayor thru Atty. Cindy V. Reyes
expressed gratitude on the help extended by the Bank. Residents from the Barangay shared their
unforgettable experiences and showed the damages the eruption has caused to the area. To date,
potable water remained as their primary need. The outreach was headed by the President and CEO
of the Bank Ms. Lizette Racela.
Chosen Children Village Foundation
Silang, Cavite
Almost 30 kms. away from Talisay Batangas is a haven for physically and mentally challenged
children. The Chosen Children Village Foundation (CCVF) is a non-government organization which
houses 70 children abandoned by their families due to physical or mental limitations. During the
Taal volcano eruption, the 4 has. area consisting of the foundation’s office, church, children’s
quarters, play and therapy rooms, vegetation, fish, chicken and hog raising areas were covered with
ash from the volcano. The children were immediately evacuated since it posted risk to their health
condition. The Rotary Club of Baguio sponsored the foundation’s temporary accommodation in
Baguio City. Rotary’s call for more sponsors paved way to USB’s donation.
The Bank turned over its monetary donation on March 4, 2020 to aid for the rehabilitation of the
areas affected. Since their return from Baguio, some children shared quarters, while other rooms
were improvised to provide good shelter most especially to the wheelchair-bound children.
Save the Children Foundation
Headquarters, Quezon City
For the past years USB had been a constant donor to Save the Children Foundation. With the aid of their donors, the foundation responds by providing the affected children with a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn or access to quality education and health services, and protection from harm especially during times of crisis.
Within a 14 km. radius of Taal volcano, approximately 184,000 children were affected. Save the Children responded by providing water, hygiene kits, blankets, mosquito nets, radios, and set up child-friendly spaces where children can safely play and learn, and be provided with psychosocial support.
In response to the foundations call for help, USB turned over its monetary donation at the foundations Headquarters in Quezon City, Metro Manila. The check was handed over by the Bank’s Corporate Planning and Marketing Head- Jaime Juan Ramon Valera III and Corporate Communication and Events Manager- Christine Vaquilar. Albert T. Muyot, Save the Children Philippines Chief Executive Officer and Naida G. Pasion, Chief Business Development Officer gladly received the donation and expressed their gratitude for the continuous support of the Bank to the foundation’s endeavours.
More CSR for Q1 of 2020
Segunda Mana Year 3
It had been an annual CSR activity but UCPB Savings Bank Head Office associates have never ceased to give.
Every February of the year a red box with bold letter “SEGUNDA MANA” is placed at the USB Head Office lobby. The start of the week displays an empty box but before the week ends, employees fill it up with used and pre-loved items such as toys, books, apparel and footwear or recyclable materials which can still be used.
Donations are sold at the Segunda Mana Charity outlet and the proceeds are used to support vocational/ technology and college scholars nationwide and support the livelihood of over 300 micro entrepreneurs and their families from informal sectors like BASECO and Payatas.
Head Office employees have extended help to the foundation for 3 consecutive years.
Give Blood, Save Life
With different Philippine Red Cross (PRC) blood service facilities strategically located in the entire country, PRC collects blood from voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors with their donations accounting to almost 50% share of the nation’s blood supply.
The Bank’s Human Resources Division, thru its Head Ms. Marian Espino and Compensation and Benefits Associate Kyle Santy, RN, initiated a GIVE BLOOD, SAVE LIFE PROGRAM in partnership with PRC. The Bloodletting was held at UCPB Savings Bank Head Office, 18th floor lobby, last July 26, 2019 and January 29, 2020. A total of 60 bags, equivalent to 180 blood products were already donated by the Head Office employees as a support to the program. Additional support was given by the Bank through the 466 PRC membership of employees and their family members’ registration to the foundation as of November last year.
UCPB Savings Bank believes that CSR activities form crucial component to give back to the community and make a positive and significant difference in the lives of the beneficiaries even in these simple ways.
