The Ayala Group and the Araneta Group have launched separate efforts to help those severely affected by the havoc caused by the passage of Typhoon Odette.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Typhoon Odette has caused approximately P22 billion in agriculture and infrastructure damage.

Amidst the holiday rush, #BrigadangAyala conducts relief operations. With Ayala Foundation at the helm, #BrigadangAyala rallied business units across the Ayala Group of Companies to deliver food packs in affected areas.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Ayala Foundation distributed much needed aid to at least 2,000 affected families in different towns in Cebu province as well as Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte.

In addition, sacks of rice were delivered and distributed to families living in Dinagat Islands and El Nido, Palawan.

While restoring its services in the affected areas, Globe set up libreng tawag, text, and Wi-Fi stations. ACEN also set up charging stations powered by its solar plates in Islasol in Negros Occidental and conducted relief operations in Montesol in Negros Oriental.

Ayala Land distributed grocery items to its essential workers as well as affected residents in communities near their Ayala Malls.

Meanwhile, AC Health's Generika said P1 million worth of medicines and potable water are in transit for Siargao LGU’s distribution. Patsy Zobel donated canvas materials and tents for temporary shelter as well as water filters for families who lost their homes to the typhoon.

#BrigadangAyala will continue its relief distribution in Cebu, Negros Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Siargao, Dinagat Islands, and Palawan. More than 13,000 food packs are expected to be distributed under this collective effort.

To help move essential goods, Ayala Foundation coordinates with various Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, and works closely with the Ayala group, as well as various donors and partners.

Among those who have partnered with the foundation’s relief efforts are BPI Foundation, Base Bahay Foundation, Globe Telecom, IE Medica/MedEthix, and Kickstart, while the Ayala Business Clubs, Entrego, and Makati Development Corporation are providing support for operations and logistics.

Ayala Foundation has also opened its donation channels for those who wish to contribute to its relief efforts. To access the donation page, visit https://afi.ph/DisasterResilience. Donations are also accepted through Lazada and GCash, and by donating Globe Rewards Points through the new Globe One App.

Meanwhile, the Araneta Group partnered 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.

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.