MANILA (15 April 2020) - COVID-19 is a global crisis like no other. The sudden spread of the virus
has caught the world by surprise, and countries and communities around the world are
scrambling to prevent the pandemic from killing more people.
For weeks now, the Philippines has been struggling to fight the virus. The health care system is
under extreme stress, as it tries to treat an increasing number of patients with limited resources
and manpower. The declaration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon has put
millions of people under lockdown, and has left many sectors and communities vulnerable to
hunger and illness.
Ateneo de Manila University’s community quickly mobilized to respond to the calls for help,
tapping its wide network of students, employees, alumni, and partners to aid front line workers
and vulnerable sectors of society. Despite limited mobility caused by the lockdown, the Ateneo
community, true to its mission of forming women and men for others, has been able to come
together and find ways to address the various needs of a country trying to fight an unseen enemy.
Responding to the needs of front liners and vulnerable communities
The Ateneo Disaster Response and Management (DReaM) Team partnered with Tanging Yaman
Foundation (TYF) and Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB), pooling together resources and efforts
to respond to the crisis.
The Ateneo Disaster Response and Management (DReaM) Team, composed of offices and
volunteers from various Ateneo units, has served as the main engine for Ateneo de Manila
University disaster relief and rehabilitation work since typhoon Ondoy in 2009.
Tanging Yaman Foundation (TYF) is a Philippine Jesuit conduit foundation, bridging the
generosity of Filipinos here and abroad to the vital needs of people and communities in the
Philippines through programs in education, housing, livelihood, and disaster relief and
rehabilitation.
Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB) is the socio-political apostolate of the Society of Jesus in the
Philippines, and is a non-partisan, Church-based, Jesuit-led organization committed to the service
of the Church and the Filipino people.
The team’s mission is three-pronged:
● Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) like nitrile gloves, N95 face masks, hazmat
suits, and alcohol for health workers on the frontlines
● Deliver packed meals for hospital personnel in crisis areas
● Give packed food and hygiene items for families in need
The team has helped dozens of hospitals and partner communities in Marikina, Quezon City,
Rizal, and other areas in need.
As of 5 April 2020, the drive has so far distributed 8,970 n95 respirator masks; 1,530 hospital
gowns; 1,534 hazmat suits; 59,600 pairs of nitrile gloves; and 8,700 packed meals for medical front
liners, among other needs , to 54 hospitals. ( See full list here)
The team has also served 60 communities , delivering 6,460 rice packs and 8,016 food+rice packs.
The food+rice packs include rice, pasta, pasta sauce, canned goods, instant noodles, coffee, bath
soap, laundry soap, and sanitary pads. ( See items list here )
The team is still accepting donations. Details on how you can give can be accessed here .