Binibining Pilipinas, Araneta City assist PH Red Cross in Typhoon Odette relief efforts

The Araneta Group partners with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in helping families affected by Typhoon Odette in Visayas and Mindanao. The Binibining Pilipinas Charities Incorporated (BPCI) gave on December 27 a cash donation worth P500,000 at the PRC main headquarters in Mandaluyong City. Miss Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Obenita and Binibining Pilipinas 2021 Hannah Arnold personally handed the donation to PRC Chairman Richard Gordon and other officials. "I am very thankful to Binibining Pilipinas not only for their generous contribution but also for using their platform to encourage more people to help the Red Cross save more lives," Gordon said.

PRC has been receiving donations from Binibining Pilipinas in the past through the Red Cross - Quezon City Chapter. The most prestigious pageant in the country sponsored the Million Volunteer Run 5 in 2019, and provided cash assistance in 2020. In a statement, BPCI chairperson Stella Marquez Araneta said that along with the donation, BPCI continues to "wish for the safety and recovery of the typhoon victims, and look out for each other in these trying times." Meanwhile, Araneta City has started accepting donations for the typhoon victims through its Operation R.E.A.C.H. (Relief Efforts of Araneta City-zens to Help) program. The public may leave donations such as bottled water, canned goods, rice, mats and blankets, face masks, alcohol, and other hygiene needs in drop boxes located at the Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza, and Gateway Tower.

Donations will be accepted until January 2022, and will be forwarded to PRC to assist in their Humanitarian Caravan in areas devastated by the strong typhoon. "The Araneta Group is grateful to work with the Philippine Red Cross in responding to the pressing needs of our countrymen. It is our honor to work with them in delivering the necessary support and public service, in whatever ways we can, in crisis that we face," said Antonio Mardo, Senior Vice President for Operations of the Araneta Group. Earlier this year, Araneta City has partnered with PRC in providing accessible COVID-19 test sites to the public via the drive-through saliva test at the Araneta City Bus Station. ###

(Photo Caption: From Left to Right - PRC Secretary - General Elizabeth Zavalla, Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold, PRC Chairman Senator Richard Gordon, Miss Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Obenita, and PRC Board of Governors Ernesto Isla)