'Kapit Mindanao' digital fundraising campaign launched

By Antonio Colina IV

DAVAO CITY – Various youth organizations and personalities from all over the Philippines have joined forces to launch a digital fundraising campaign called “Kapit-Mindanao” to help several communities on the island affected by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

Meryl Hilda Jalani, fundraising campaign lead convener who is a Mindanawon, said she felt the urge to extend help to the people in areas of Mindanao that are underserved in this time of crisis, particularly the low-wage earners, non-settler communities, and Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

“As a Mindanawon myself, I feel obligated now more than ever to try and help out in any way I can, and reach the most unreached areas in Mindanao in terms of relief,” she said.

The MillennialsPH and I am MAD, Inc., comprising over 100 youth groups and individuals, initiated this digital initiative that was launched last week, eyeing to raise P1 million to procure personal protective equipment for the frontliners, food packs and family kits containing rice and grocery items, relief goods for indigent communities, and production of sanitents.

The cash donations will be given to the youth groups based in different parts of Mindanao, benefiting tricycle drivers from Talakag in Bukidnon, Iligan City, Sindangan in Zamboanga del Norte, and Lamitan City in Basilan; the low-wage earners and street vendors from Sultan Naga Dimaporo in Lanao del Norte, Tipo-Tipo in Basilan, Cotabato City, and Alabel in Sarangani; medical frontliners in Lianga in Surigao del Sur, Butuan City, Surigao City in Surigao del Norte, Siocon in Zamboanga del Norte, and as far south as Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; IPs such as the Sama Dilaut community in Davao City, the T'Boli community in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; indigent families in Maitum in Sarangani, Bayugan in Agusan del Sur, Kabacan in North Cotabato, Datu Odin Sinuaut in Maguindanao, and Barangays Pasobolong, La Paz, Talon-Talon, Buenagatas, and Maasin in Zambaonga City.

The campaign is organized together with the Association of Young Environmental Journalists, Marejada Pilipinas, Project Disponer, Miss Zamboanga, and TAYO Awards Foundation, and partnered with 87 other youth organizations nationwide. Non-government organizations like Families of the Missing and Keep Hope Alive, as well as small-medium enterprises like Karabella and Jacinto, have joined the campaign in support of Mindanao, among many others. Local personalities like Ulan and Camp Sawi director Irene Villamor and mental health advocate Dr. Gia Sison have also expressed their support.