It has been 1 week since Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) brought damage in the Visayas region in the Philippines particularly Tacloban, Samar, Antique, Iloilo, Cebu, Bacolod, Capiz and nearby provinces that led to the destruction of homes and infrastructures and lives of the hundred Filipinos. In support to the humanitarian relief, The Coca-Cola Company donated US$2.5 million in cash and in-kind. According to Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company that they want to express their deepest sympathies to those affected by this tragic disaster in the Philippines and their dedicated associates are on the ground offering assistance, and they are committed to helping the communities rebuild.
Up to date Coca-Cola Philippines and our bottling partner, Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, through The Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, began donating water for relief efforts immediately after the storm to the Philippine Red Cross, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). “It is in times like these when the Philippines sets an example of resilience and good spirit, and where our values of supporting ourselves as a team come at its best.” Carlos Salazar Lomelín, Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola FEMSA explained.
Coca-Cola Philippines is providing US$1 million for additional relief initiatives, community rehabilitation, and to assist small, independent customers with reconstruction. The Coca-Cola Foundation in Atlanta has contributed US$1 million to the American National Red Cross for humanitarian aid to the Philippines. By the end of this week, the Coca-Cola system will have donated 129,000 cases of water to the affected communities, representing an in-kind contribution valued at $590,000.
Coca-Cola Philippines has been a long-standing partner of the Red Cross Philippines in its programs for disaster relief, blood donation, and basic life support training. Globally, The Coca-Cola Company and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) also have a partnership to enhance their collaboration on disaster preparedness and response in 50 countries around the world. The Company and its bottling partners have worked with Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies regularly since 1917.
