Photo from Pilipinas Shell
As the need for relief operations continues, Pilipinas Shell has opened Shelter Stations to help affected Filipinos who have been displaced by the volcanic eruption. There are 14 sites in Batangas, 6 in Cavite, 7 in Laguna, and 19 in Metro Manila.
Shelter Stations are converted fuel stations that are open 24/7 to provide emergency drinking water, first aid kits, and free mobile charging services. More importantly, those whose vehicles have been affected by the ashfall can get assistance in properly cleaning them of any debris.
Shelter Stations also accept relief good donations from the public. These are then collected, repacked, and transported to evacuation centers by the Association of Pilipinas Shell Dealers.
Apart from mobilizing and organizing relief efforts, Shell companies in the Philippines also donated Php 4 million pesos worth of food packs, potable drinking water, sleeping kits, hygiene kits, canned goods, sanitary napkins, diapers, and insect repellent, which were given to over 1,500 heads of families of the evacuees at the Batangas Provincial Sports Complex.
Pilipinas Shell also donated over 3,000 liters of diesel fuel to help with disaster management and response. Over 100 volunteers from Pilipinas Shell employees, Shell Retailers, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., and the Malampaya Foundation volunteered to bring relief donations and set up facilities in Batangas.
Batangas Gov. Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas commended Shell’s efforts to help the affected residents. “I know that as a company, you are generating revenue. But at the same time, I know that you are a very responsible corporate resident of our province of Batangas.”
Pilipinas Shell has been an active player in Batangas. The province has been the home to the Tabangao Refinery since it began its operations in 1962.
Meanwhile, Marina delos Santos, a resident of municipality of Lemery was thankful to the company. “Napakalaking tulong po ang naibigay ng Shell sa amin bilang isa sa mga naapektuhan ng ash fall,” said Marina. “Hindi lang po pagkain ang ibinigay ninyo kundi ultimo tulugan at mga damit—para na po ninyo kaming binigyan ng bahay. Salamat po at pagpalain po ang Shell.”
“This is just the first step in answering the call for help. We are continuously monitoring the incident to ensure that we can extend more assistance as needed,” said Pilipinas Shell CEO and president Cesar Romero. “We call on our fellow Filipinos who would want to further our efforts and bring more aid to evacuees. Let’s all help each other in this time of need.”
Those who are looking to extend more relief aid can get in touch through the Shell Customer Service Center at +632-8878-8888 for Metro Manila and 1-800-10000-3333 for outside the metro. More information on ongoing efforts and open Shelter Stations can be found at https://www.shell.com.ph/sustainability/communities/project-shelter-taal-volcano-emergency-relief-efforts.html.
PRESS RELEASE
