Citibank donates $1M for ‘Yolanda’ rehabilitation

A typhoon survivor stands on rubbish in Tacloban, central Philippines on Dec. 8, 2013. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Citibank on Tuesday donated over $1 million to the Philippine Red Cross to aid the relief and rehabilitation efforts in central Philippines.

After Typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) devastated the region, Citi launched a worldwide appeal to its clients and employees to support the victims of the supertyphoon.

Citi Asia Pacific CEO Stephen Bird led a fundraising campaign for the benefit of the Philippine Red Cross.

“Our thoughts remain with the people of the Philippines and our focus is on supporting those who have lost families and homes,” said Bird.

“I am honored to see the response from both our company and our people with their donations and volunteerism in the relief efforts,” Bird added.

Batara Sianturi, Citi Philippines CEO, said the American Red Cross donated $250,000 while the ASEAN Equities business gave $500,000 and the rest of the contributions came from Citi staff and customers around the world.

“The response of Citi in the Yolanda relief has been overwhelming,” said Sianturi.

“It’s a great feeling that Citi around the world get together for the cause of the Philippines in rebuilding the devastated areas in Visayas,” Sianturi added.

Sianturi said cardholders could donate their reward points through Citi Mobile and send donations via short messaging service (SMS).

Citi Philippines announced the extension of a debt payment relief to its client from the affected regions.

Citi credit cardholders were also granted a 60-day payment extension and late payments will be waived.

In addition, Citi Foundation is planning to double its annual grant investment in the Philippines for 2014 to more than $500,00and direct these expanded resources to longer rebuilding and livelihood restoration programs in Visayas.

Meanwhile, Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon thanked Citi for its support to the organization’s advocacies.

Gordon also cited the outpouring support of the international community to Red Cross.

“This is mainly because we have an international reputation. We have always been one of the strongest Red Cross in the world,” Gordon said.

Gordon said, Red Cross was able to tell the situation on the ground because they have volunteers to monitor the situation.

“It is surprising that many international banks put their trust on us. We have a program on how to use the donations,” Gordon said.

Citi and Philippine Red Cross assured the public of strengthening their partnership in rebuilding the affected communities in Visayas.