In an effort to rebuild the battle-torn city of Marawi, Mindanao Peace Advocate Robin Padilla launched Tindig Marawi, his personal advocacy to gather support and livelihood opportunities for the people devastated by the war.
“Ang Mindanao at kapayapaan ay dalawang bagay na malapit sa aking puso,’ Padilla expressed, saying that he couldn’t imagine what the people of Marawi have gone through.
Many are unaware that as soon as the war commenced, Padilla had been exerting effort to help the people of Marawi and immediately sought assistance from friends, relatives, and private organizations who could lend a hand. He received a total of Php5 million worth of relief goods and personally distributed them to the affected families. He also donated Php5 million from his own pocket for the psycho-social intervention of the kids.
But Padilla admitted that in spite of their efforts, the people of Marawi are very much distressed and need more aid. As the war lasted for five months, the damages it brought still overwhelm him and the people. Despite the confirmation that the siege finally came to an end, mobilization of efforts to raise awareness about the people’s critical needs is doubled, which is the primary goal of the Tindig Marawi campaign.
During the press conference at llustrado Restaurant in Manila, Padilla said that what bothers him most is the possibility that Filipinos might forget the Marawi tragedy, as it is now aleady over. He emphasized that Marawi needs the support of the people now more than ever, in times of rebuilding.
“Ang Tindig Marawi ay isang kilusan. Hindi po ito pansariling pagkilos ko lamang. lnaanyayahan ko pa ang lahat na tumulong para sa pagbangon at pagtindig na muli ng Marawi. Natapos man and digmaan, napakalaki pa rin po ng kanilang pangangailangan; bahay, hanapbuhay, pagkain, hospital, paaralan. Napakarami pong nawasaks a Marawi at malawakang pagtulong po ang kailangan para makatindig silang muli,” Padilla said.
The event was graced with notable personalities who pledged support by partnering with Tindig Marawi campaign.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the global property portal Lamudi, Bhavna Suresh, officially partnered with the Tindig Marawi program by signing a memorandum of understanding to establish a portal which will be the platform for fund-raising efforts.
Financial technology company FINTQ’s Managing Direcor Lito Villanueva also established collaboration with the campaign through their “Pabuhay” component which will assist the Marawi victims in regaining their livelihood. Also, through their program called Kasama Ka, the company committed to facilitate organic farming and micro business to the people. In addition, a Tindig Marawi Livelihood Plan is among the plans to raise a minimum of Php10 million for the purpose of rebuilding the people’s businesses.
Interfaith peace advocate Dh Potre Diampuan was also present in the press conference and discussed the Maranaos’ most needed backing at the moment: Shelter, Subsistence, and Sustainability.
“Umaasa ako na sana’y itong proyekto nating Tindig Marawi ay makarating sa puso ng ating mga kababayan na tumulong sa mga kapatid nating naapektuhan sa katatapos lang na laban sa Marawi,” Padilla said.
Actor Piolo Pascual and director Joyce Bernal, among other colleagues of Padilla, have also expressed support by donating, with the anticipation that more people will join the campaign.
Karina is not your ordinary supermom. She juggles her time bonding with her three amazing kids while being in the loop on the latest happenings in the tech and lifestyle scene. Follow me on Instagram (@digitalfilipina) regularly visit www.digitalfilipina.com for daily dose of updates not just for moms but for everyone!