Mahintana Foundation, Inc.

Dolefil employees pose during a breather in the distribution at Brgy. Macasandig with Ms. Corazon 'Dinky' Soliman, Secretary of DSWD

In December 22-23, 2011, a delegation of 48 persons from Dole Philippines, Inc. (Dolefil) and Mahintana Foundation, Inc. (MFI), went to Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City with 3 truckloads of relief materials consisting of Food and Non Food items (NFI).

These were distributed to 2,081 family-survivors evacuated in Brgys. Macasandig, Canitoan and Sayon and in City Central Elementary School who were affected by flashfloods and landslides caused by typhoon Sendong (International name Washi). Food items include rice, noodles, sardines, water, banana and pineapple products while NFIs include blankets, quilts, plastic mats and toothpaste with toothbrush.

On December 23, they were joined by 30 volunteers from Stanfilco and Kasilak Foundation for the distribution activity. This was closely coordinated with Xavier University-Social Involvement Office (XU-SIO), headed by Mr. Ermin Pimentel, who facilitated the social preparation, listings, and verification of beneficiaries.

The activity was successful despite some minor problems encountered. Mr. Martiniano L. Magdolot, Executive Director of MFI, relayed that “the success of the activity was the result of teamwork, collective efforts, complementary support and partnership.”  He added that “the activity was so tiring yet very inspiring.  It lifts our spirits to see stream of relief goods transported to CDO City coming from different parts of Mindanao.”

In Mr. Simon Denye’s words, VP and Managing Director of Dole Philippines, Inc., “the Caravan of Hope was a phenomenal effort showing the spirit of Filipinos and Dolefil at its best.”

Below are details of the collected pledges and the distributed relief materials.

*Pledges collected were used to purchase noodles, sardines, plastic mats, blankets and sacks.

In addition, the following organizations/donors supplemented them with other goods.

Relief materials for family-survivors of West Elementary School were left with XU-SIO as distribution was affected by conflict of schedules and non-coordination between and among government agencies and private assisting organizations.