Bill Gates to donate $0.5 million to the Victims of Typhoon Frank, Manny Pacquiao to donate P3 million

Posted on July 11, 2008
Filed Under Good Deeds | Viewed 361 times

Just last Wednesday night, right after dinner, my family and I were having our usual bonding moments. We talked about, what else but the rising cost of fuel, goods and services, the most talked about topic nowadays. BA even asked our permission to ride a bike to UP so that he could save on gas or on jeepney fare. He mentioned UP’s project of renting out bicycles at P500 a month so that students can use them while within the campus and the nearby Katipunan area, UP Village and Teachers’ Village where we incidentally live. Bicycles will have to be left in the campus at the end of the day. I was adamant not to let him, thinking about his safety.

The conversation went to the topic of the victims of Typhoon Frank and the MV Princess of the Stars, their sad and helpless plights and what have been done by the authorities and the private sector to help them. Manny Pacquiao pledged to donate P3 million to the victims of Typhoon Frank, immediately upon his return from the US. He also intends to hold a telethon and a concert to raise funds—a hero indeed.

Hubby said it would have been nice if Bill Gates donated some of his millions. Everyone agreed but then he said that he has not heard of any philanthropic activities of the Gates aside from those involved with education and the technologies.

In defense of Bill Gates. I said that his foundation is really working very hard to elevate poverty and to spread education, as long term goals. And who knows, he might just pick up on the news and send some money to the Philippines. I have heard from my Bangladeshi friends how widespread his support to their country has been even before the Gates’ personal visit to Dhaka three years ago.

What a pleasant surprise and so heartwarming for all of us to find out from the newspapers Thursday morning that billionaire and Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, just more than a week retired, through the Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation have pledged to donate about half a million dollars (P23 million) to the families of Typhoon Frank victims. Those in Sibuyan Island, Romblon may also become beneficiaries.

The donation will be coursed through the Catholic Relief Service, Philippines, the social action arm of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. Signing of the contract is expected to take place very soon. Another good news is that a number of US based Filipino-American groups have expressed their intention to help.

Google is sitting on millions of dollars from AdSense revenues. Will it also follow suit? or Yahoo? or just us plain citizens?

Comments

9 Responses to “Bill Gates to donate $0.5 million to the Victims of Typhoon Frank, Manny Pacquiao to donate P3 million”

julie on July 11th, 2008 12:35 pm

When I learned about this, I was thinking, “I hope the funds would really be channeled to those people who need the money”

I am glad that it will be coursed through the church.
Jayme on July 11th, 2008 3:15 pm

It’s a good thing these multi-billionaires are sharing their money. Billionaire Warren Buffett also announced this week that he’s giving away $2billion worth of shares to charity.
Jehzeel Laurente on July 11th, 2008 9:14 pm

Google already donated $1M to the victims of Myanmar Typhoon I hope they will donate to the Philippines also
Meeya on July 12th, 2008 1:39 am

ok then. of the P23m gates is going to donate, if the cbcp doesn’t keep a firm grasp on it, baka P3m na lang makarating sa victims. i sure hope not!

thanks bill and manny for sharing your blessings!
irene on July 12th, 2008 4:44 am

ahahah i agree Meeya..
Kyels on July 12th, 2008 10:22 am

I am glad that they are donating money to help the victims of Typhoon Frank. It’s hard to find Samaritan(s)now but I am glad they did that!

[:

Musta na Tita?
Micamyx on July 13th, 2008 4:06 am

I am happy that Manny Pacquiao decided to donate 3Million to the victims of the typhoon instead of spending it in a movie like “Anak ng Kumander”.
francesca on July 13th, 2008 4:29 am

the billionnaires should donate, not the poor workers who struggles to feed their family.
After all, even they get a second life (which is IMPOSSIBLE) they cant finish their money in spending….

Say ko lang yan ha…
annamanila on July 20th, 2008 3:30 am

How nice to talk about current events and issues on the breakfast/dinner table. That is how parents and their grown up children bond and span the generation gap and learn from each other.