NGCP turns over half of pledged P1-B donation

MANILA, Philippines — The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has started the distribution of P500 million worth of grocery items, representing half of the P1 billion it earlier pledged to donate to the Office of the President in support of efforts to respond to the new coronavirus pandemic.

“We are very pleased to turn over these relief packs as we hope these will help sustain our partner communities given the extension of the enhanced community quarantine,” NGCP said in a statement. “Distribution in select locations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will be made over the next weeks.”

NGCP earlier wrote to President Duterte offering P1 billion, half in goods and half in cash, which is to be used upon the discretion of the Chief Executive.

“NGCP’s pledge of medical equipment is also in the process of procurement,” the company added. “The much-needed equipment will be distributed to identified hospitals as soon as they arrive.”

The donation is in addition to earlier NGCP donations of personal protective equipment, meals and other equipment for medical front-liners, as well as the “Meals on Wheels” program where hot meals are distributed to indigent members of the community.