by: Jade Herrera

The work restrictions during the pandemic brought about by quarantine measures motivated Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) to find other means to continue the implementation and monitoring of its existing projects. PBSP strengthened its network and created new partnerships with local government units, civil society and people’s organizations in various communities to provide much-needed relief and assistance to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Its member companies, partners, and the general public supported PBSP’s call for COVID-19 relief assistance and initiative because they saw the value of PBSP’s work in assisting the most vulnerable communities. 

PBSP implemented awareness campaigns and training on COVID-19 Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) for barangay health workers, cleaners, and volunteers. This intervention enabled them to conduct health and hygiene promotion, increase community awareness on the virus, and maintain and clean the handwashing facilities provided to them. 

In addition, PBSP rolled out two livelihood projects, Mask4AllPH, and Super Carinderia. The Mask4AllPH established face masks production hubs in five communities in order to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for women sewers. Almost 69,000 face masks have been produced to date. Those were donated to poor families for their protection from the COVID-19 virus. 

On the other hand, the Super Carinderia project serves as an alternative way of addressing food security during this time. The Super Carinderia was implemented in two communities in Luzon and 24 carinderias will be assisted in the next three months.

PBSP continues its COVID-19 food assistance through the RiceAid Campaign, which provides  10-kilogram rice packs for underprivileged families affected by the ongoing community quarantine restrictions. It also provides additional income for local farmers who supply the rice. To date, the RiceAid campaign has raised over Php 3 million and assisted around 6,811 families.

PBSP, now in its 50th year, has grown into the largest business-led non-government organization in the country. PBSP is a member network of CODE-NGO.

For more information, visit www.pbsp.org.ph.