In Q4 2020, the Philippines was hit by strong typhoons that caused damage to properties and made the lives of our fellow Filipinos even harder in the face of the ongoing pandemic.
On November 1, 2020, Super Typhoon Rolly (Goni) - one of the strongest typhoons in recent history - struck the southern region of the Philippines -- and just ten days later, Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco) swept through the same provinces previously ravaged by Typhoon Rolly as well as NCR and parts of Central Luzon, causing floods and power outages.
In line with its mission to inspire and bring joy, within that month, TikTok pledged to donate $300,000 USD or around PHP 15 Million to support typhoon relief and rehabilitation efforts. $150,000 USD of this was allocated to the Philippine National Red Cross for their on-ground mobilization efforts, which include providing hot meals and other urgent necessities to affected communities.
This donation was raised through #TikTokTogetherPH initiative, wherein an amount was committed by the company to support select partner organizations with their typhoon relief programs and additional funds were raised through concert featuring top local artists as well as TikTok's most popular content creators.
Today, January 11, 2020, TikTok Philippines fulfilled its promised and officially turned over its $150,000 USD donation to the PNRC.
In the photo above, we see Philippine Red Cross Secretary General - Ms. Elizabeth Zavalla, and Chairman and CEO - Senator Richard Gordon, formally receiving the pledge for the said amount.
On the donation given by TikTok Philippines, Senator Gordon was quoted saying, "The Philippine Red Cross is always committed to reaching out to the helpless and to the most vulnerable. TikTok’s donation will surely go a long way in further strengthening PRC’s humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of those who were impacted by the recent calamities. You can be sure the Red Cross will continue to be there for the people affected."
Great job and thank you, TikTok Philippines!