Volunteer students, teachers, associates, and alumni joined hands in the arrangement and distribution of over 3,000 relief packs to the indigent families affected by the super typhoon Carina.

The initiative is part of the Benildean Operation Sagip, a disaster response program spearheaded by the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Center for Social Action (CSA) which aims to respond to the needs of those afflicted by natural and man-made disasters.

This is in line with the mission of the institution to advocate and spark a compassionate spirit among the youth and create a community of socially responsible individuals.

The first batch of the drive has enjoined 60 learners, faculty members, alumni, and associates from the various programs and offices of the college.

With an initial cash donation of P64,434.19 received, the program has since extended support to over 20 local government units from barangays in the cities of Manila and Pasig.

The college has likewise provided aid to over 20 partner institutions, such as Akap sa Bata ng mga Guro-Kalinga Philippines, Child Hope, Children’s Rehabilitation Center, Sun for All Children, Onesimo Bulilit, Unang Hakbang Foundation, Inc., ERDA Foundation, Inc., St. Vincent Foundation for Children and Aging, Inc., Friendship Home, One Heart Foundation, Ignacio Villamor Senior High School, Rafael Palma Elementary School, and Koinonia Community Church.

Other beneficiaries were Food for the Hungry Philippines, Gawad Kalinga, Grace Family Helper Project, Inc., IT Tender, Kaibigan Ermita Outreach Foundation, Inc., MapaKalamidad.ph, Minstrels of Hope, Inc., Self-Reliance and Development (SRD) Konkokyo Learning Center, Teresa Charities, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, Tondo Blessed, and Unyon ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura.

The partner barangays and NGOs received 50 relief packs each, which contained five kilos of rice, two cans of corned beef, two cans of sardines, and two cans of meatloaf.

Over 400 employees, whose homes were affected by Carina, also received support from the college.

Approximately 500 packs of bottled water as well as diapers for infants were also turned over to help the relief operations of De La Salle Philippines (DLSP).

In their message to the community, Benilde CSA has expressed their utmost gratitude to the donors and volunteers whose efforts “have made a difference” to those impacted by the super typhoon.