For the first time in years, Cebu has been severely hit by a supertyphoon. It is estimated that Typhoon Odette left the province with at least P1.7 billion in damages and took 112 lives.
First Standard–headquartered in Mandaue itself–has also sustained devastating effects of the Typhoon through its employees and offices. This experience fueled further the company’s duty to help in its own way its fellow Cebuanos.
Tabang Cebu is a relief operation drive in partnership with Prince Stores. Through its own donation and raised funds from its partners, First Standard bought P6.7 million worth of 500-peso Prince Store gift certificates. These were given to Cebuanos still reeling from the effects brought by calamitous Typhoon Odette.
“We hope that this program can help our fellow Cebuanos in a time when it’s a challenge to get daily needs and donate actual relief goods…and during Christmas pa,” said First Standard President Jacqueline Tan-Sainz. “While we’ve been doing our part whenever there’s a calamity, it’s the first time that we’re actually at the forefront of the typhoon with them kaya we really understand their situation.”
Despite the challenges of the lack of internet connectivity, limited power supply, and hampered logistics, the program raised awareness through media partners, influencers, and concerned relatives living outside the province. Cebuanos flocked the participating Prince Stores to get their gift certificates by just presenting any valid identification and then were able to redeem it at the store immediately in one go.
“We wanted the process to be relatively easy for those who need relief but also be able to let them choose the goods based on their need,” Tan-Sainz added.
On top of its initial donation, First Standard was able to raise additional funds for the program through its partners, clients, and friends. Their contributions helped extend the drive longer and reach thousands of families:
CORPORATE DONATIONS:
- Sheridan Marketing Inc.- Bacolod
- Sheridan Marketing Inc. – Cebu
- Sheridan Marketing Inc. Philippines
- Jeco Distributor – Iloilo
- TrainStation Philippines
- First State Rural Bank
- Teledata
- Kelhealth Pte. Ltd.
- Papilla Hair Pte. Ltd.
- Illumia Therapeutics Pte. Ltd.
- Illumia Medical Pte. Ltd.
- Papilla Hair NX Pte. Ltd.
- Illumia Therapeutics NX Pte. Ltd.
PERSONAL DONATIONS:
- First State Rural Bank officers & employees
- First Standard – North Central Luzon employees
- Mr. Jacinto Tiu
- Ms. Vern Enciso-Lim
- Ms. Kim Lim
- Ms. Ria Garcia
- Ms. Pinky Buenaflor
- Ms. Amabelynne Faye Demavivas
- Ms. Kathleen Canete
- Ms. Maria Antonette Ganzon
- Ms. Aisleen Ann Agustin
- Mr. Enrico III San Juan
- Ms. Jeah Abangan
- Ms. Chalene Solamo
- Ms. Teresa Calvo
- Mr. Bryan Baclayon
- Ms. Carmela Tan
- Ms. Lucita Garcia
- Mr. Manuel Tiu
- Ms. Maria Irisa Agulta
- Ms. Ging Pearson
- Ms. Joann Dimatera
- Ms. Charmagne Dela Torre
- Ms. Alyssa Nicole Alumno
- Ms. Kit Cruz
- Ms. Melba Sainz
- Ms. Lializ Garcia
- Ms. Mary Ann Neza
- Ms. Myra Orbiso
- Ms. Poela Liz Jose
- Mr. Jenesel Fabian
- Mr. Paul Tieng
- Ms. Rose Anne Maligaya
- Ms. Radhelia Buit
- Ms. Lurlaine Gene Calabroso
- Mr. Jerardnino Delavictoria
- Mr. Joel Chua
- Ms. Anelyn Cariño
- Ms. Eira Caberte
- Ms. Shyla Marie Francisco
- Mr. Mark & Ms. Davelyn Dy
- Ms. Maricon Mamaclay
- Ms. Maria Theresa Lavina De Geron
- Mr. Andrew Ariel Santiago
- Mr. John Michael Vincent Lumen
- Mr. Paolo Dela Paz
And all other donors who would like to stay anonymous.
On behalf of the company, Tan-Sainz thanks all those who extended their help that “without whom, the program would not be able to reach what it has achieved today.” She also extended the gratitude to “Prince Stores and all its hardworking staff for providing a way to help in these challenging times.”
First Standard also extended help outside of Cebu through its other local branches in other severely hit areas. This includes 667 more families in Southern Leyte through Prince Stores in Naval.
You can visit First Standard’s social media sites for more updates about Tabang Cebu.
