South Luzon is home to various IP groups and communities. Much of its landcape has been continuously hit by natural disasters and their lives have been heavily affected. The folks from DigiP|us, through their social arm Bing0P|us Foundation knew they needed not just material help, but livelihood that could be sustainable. Bicol region always has been in the typhoon's path and recovery after takes time.
Folks from the foundation took time and visited these communities in Manalansay in Oriental Mindoro to get them units of solar lights and solar powered generators so farmers from local organizations would be able to have power in these far flung areas. These are used to light up their homes, power houses that produce handicrafts that provide livelihood for these IP's for years now. Their kids also need it to study, have education and provide power for their phones and communicate with others if needed.
Mothers like Ms. Gayot who want to teach their kids and study at home didn't have these lights in order to help with their studies. This is the first time they've had an opportunity to receive needed resources like these, in over 20 years that they lived there.
In the Bicol region, the foundation provided financial assistance to several affected families of Typhoon Christine, even those in Cam Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes group of islands and Masbate. They have pledged over 37 Million Pesos for it since November 2024. They did it with the help of government agencies such as DSWD in Region 5 and has benefited 74 families in these areas. Over 250K of it will go to house repairs and help affected children in need of education, those orphaned too. This certainly gives hope to those who live in these communities, and this foundation is just starting.
The Philippines, when you hear about our country and the cases of injustice, do you still believe in the system? Most of you probably have given up, thrown in the towel, flipped the table and wouldn't want to even look if you still have rights in this country of ours. Much of us believe that justice is only for the rich, those who could afford it and just suffer not having what is right. Heartbreaking no?
She started doing this January this year on Facebook, and got traction and love from viewers from across the country. When folks from Velvet Media, Inc., Ms. Michelle Perez, Directors Mar Peralta, Ronald Ryan Litao, Producer Jayjay Maghirang of Velvet and Atty. Heyz got into talks about doing the show, things really felt mutual which made mounting this program quite fast on pubic station PTV4.
Atty.Heyz says "The objective is to help people, there's a higher penetration in broadcast so I could reach more. The PTV4 show will be every Saturday mornings, and will be for all ages. There will be someone who can answer law questions, litigation, because that is what I do on a normal day. I also do corporate contracts, and I am effective in explaining things with the masses. This is one of the things I am doing for public service because I've done much in private practice. You can see that in the episodes we have, some simple, some complicated, which you can easily digest. If you could see our FB messages, it's a lot and I couldn't answer all of them sometimes, we need to help them all."
Actress, Host and Velvet Media Inc. Director of Marketing and Public Relations Ms. Bianca Lapus adds "The best thing about our team is when we have an idea, we share it and believe in it because of our core values. Regardless of our roles, we listen to each other. This is also our first time to venture into TV, it's easy to work with her because our brainstorming took a few minutes and now we are having our first program on Saturday. I hope we could feature more celebrities, like Claudine Barretto, Badjao Girl, so they get to know their rights, or even Vhong when the time is right. Atty. Heyz has that gift when she talks because even kids understand it. She can say things even better than layman's terms. She is really someone for the masses."
Here's our video coverage of the interview last Thursday.
Atty. Heyz definitely has the heart to fight social injustice, even if she's already successful in her private practice and law firm, she makes it a point to help those who need it. If you're someone who wants to understand the laws of the land, or need help to fight for your rights as a citizen of this country, go listen to the discussions and learn what you can do to protect yourself, your family and others. They will also be having guests like celebrities, influencers and personalities to also share their experience. They will also be guided by Atty. Heyz and explain in Tagalog what you need to know.
The show will premiere this Saturday at 10:30AM to 11:30AM. If you missed it, they are also on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and on PTV4's social channels. This is produced by Velvet Media Inc.
I've been struggling appreciating the holidays especially when several provinces in Visayas and Mindanao were hit by Typhoon Odette. Although I've helped in my own little way, there are still a lot of people suffering without food, water, electricity and even information because internet connection doesn't exist.
Good thing there are several private entities that are launching donation drives to help in making sure supplies are going to get there. Landers Superstore members and non members can now donate water, hygeine kits, clean clothes, pillows, blankets, and other non perishable items in all their branches nationwide. Aside from that, you can purchase things to donate on their website landers.ph/help-vismin and use the voucher code HELPVISMIN so delivery fees will not be charged, all of it will be picked up by the Philippine Army so they can get them to Typhoon Odette hit areas. As of now, they have a total of 12.5 Million pesos worth fo products delivered and 5 Million from their partner Deca Homes. They are also supplying tap water at the Grand Convention Center in Cebu during office hours, to hopefully not have anyone lacking water wherever in Cebu.
Go visit Landers Superstore branches nationwide and start sharing whatever you can for this cause.