By Charissa-Luci-Atienza The Philippine Cooperative Center (PCC) has donated half a million pesos in cash to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to assist the government's fight against COVID-19. Based on the DSWD's "statement of cash donations for various purposes" , a total of P500,000 has been donated by the PCC, which is the convener of the largest gathering of cooperatives every two years since 2004. Department of Social Welfare and Development (MANILA BULLETIN) The cash donation, which is intended for the purchase of the personnel protective equipment, was made on April 15, Wednesday. "The mission of the PCC is to serve as a unifying center that will strive for excellence and competitiveness to create partnerships, and ensure the accountability of the cooperative movement," the PCC said in its official website. On March 10, 1997, the PCC was formally registered as a cooperative. "The emerging global economy and openness of the national government to forge a meaningful partnership with cooperatives provided the impetus for the advent of the PCC," the PCC said. Last March 26, Riway Philippines Inc. donated P35 million to the DSWD to strengthen the government's response against COVID-19. Riway Philippines Inc. is part of Singapore-based Riway International, which expanded to countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, and Philippines. The DSWD announced earlier that it is accepting in-kind and cash donations for the marginalized and poor communities affected by the enhanced community quarantine. The agency said cash donations may be deposited at the DSWD's dollar and peso savings accounts, both at the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). "For all the donors, they can directly deposit your donations at the DSWD donation account," it said. The account name of its dollar savings account is DSWD Foreign Donation with Account Number:3124-0055-81 and Swift Code: TLBPPHMMXXX. While, DSWD Donation Fund is the peso savings account name of the DSWD with account number: 3122-1011-84. The Department asked the donors to immediately inform the DSWD-Finance Management Service (FMS) about their donation by sending validated deposit slip and personal information such as name, nationality, and address through e-mail ([email protected] or [email protected]) or fax at 8931-8127. In turn, the DSWD will send official receipt to the donors via email or fax, it said. The DSWD also encouraged the public to donate food items such as canned goods, biscuits, noodles, and other ready-to-eat meals as well as hygiene kits such as alcohol, face mask, and disinfectant spray. It said the donors may coordinate with Charles Kavin Ronda or Paul Agner of the DSWD Donation Management Section at 8355-2849 or at email them at [email protected] and [email protected].