PBA entities to raise P3 million for flood victims
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Basketball Association expects to raise at least P3 million to help in the relief efforts of thousands of Filipinos who were affected by floods caused by non-stop rains in the past few days.
Players, coaches and team officials of all 10 PBA squads are starting to make their donations spearheaded by former Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes and Meralco center Asi Taulava.
Reyes and Taulava, through the social networking site Twitter, started a fund-raising drive Monday night calling for all players, coaches and team officials to donate at least P5,000 each to make for at least P1 million.
That amount would then be matched by the Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation and the PBA’s board of governors, making it P3 million for the flood victims that come from Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
The PBA Press Corps is also helping and is accepting donations through the Acropolis branch of UCPB with account number 00191-000364-8. Doug Kramer of Barako Bull was one of the first to answer the call of the Press Corps and has already donated his P5,000.
“The PBA is always ready to respond to the needs of our countrymen,” PBA Commissioner Chito Salud said.
“Our track record bears that out. Aside from the PBA’s one million-peso donation in cash, our team owners and players are ready to take part in any activity that supports the cause of alleviating the plight of those families victimized by the recent floods.
“We send our deepest sympathy to the victims.”
Non-stop rains have battered the whole of the metro, driving people away from their homes and into evacuation centers that are running short on potable water and food.
Bobby Barreiro, chief operating officer of ABC-5/AKTV, is working out a relief operation program that would involve PBA players and team and league officials.
“I am so proud of our PBA players who are eager to help out the flood victims,” Salud said.
Outgoing chair Mert Mondragon of Rain or Shine echoed Salud’s sentiment.
“While it is heartbreaking to see the harrowing plight of our countrymen in the wake of this calamity, it is at the same time heart-warming to know that our players are volunteering for relief operation work,” Mondragon said.
“This truly is the PBA way.”
