We witnessed once again how the spirit of bayanihan continues to shine even in the most difficult times. Despite her very tight schedule, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte personally attended the relief distribution in Brgy. Tatalon — one of the hardest-hit areas whenever floods and typhoons come.
In her short message, Mayor Joy acknowledged the heavy reality that flood control remains one of the toughest issues in the city. “Alam naman natin ngayon na mabigat ang usaping baha… pero kami po sa LGU ay patuloy na gumagawa ng paraan sa pagbibigay tulong sa koordinasyon ng iba’t ibang ahensya,” she said. It was a simple yet sincere statement that resonated with many of the residents listening.
What made this event more significant was the partnership between the Quezon City Government, the Philippine Star’s Operation Damayan, and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII). Through their united efforts, a massive relief program was made possible, with over ₱10 million worth of goods and 50,000 rice packs mobilized for typhoon victims across Luzon.
The initiative, spearheaded by FFCCCII and the “Filipino at Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation,” in collaboration with 30 major Filipino Chinese community associations, includes the distribution of essential goods and 50,000 packs of 5-kilo rice to affected cities and provinces, including Metro Manila, Baguio, Pangasinan, La Union, Tarlac, Bulacan, Pampanga, Olongapo, and Palawan.
A significant component of this nationwide effort is a targeted, city-wide relief operation in Quezon City, undertaken in partnership with the office of Mayor Joy Belmonte and the Philippine Star’s Operation Damayan led by President Miguel Belmonte. Others in attendance included District 2 Councilor Mikey Belmonte, District 4 Councilor Atty. Vincent Belmonte, Councilor Egay Yap, Councilor Raquel Malangen, Councilor Migz Suntay, Councilor Imee Rillo, Councilor Nanette Daza, Brgy. Chairman Dick Bañega and Operation Damayan team led by PhilStar HR head Emie Cruz. The Quezon City leg, which runs from August 28 to 29, 2025, involves the distribution of relief packs across six heavily impacted districts, representing a dedicated allocation of aid for the city's residents.
The partnership was formally launched at a ceremony held at the Mabuhay Court of Dr. Jose Jara Martinez High School in Barangay Tatalon, District 4. The event highlighted the turnover of a previous One Million Peso donation from FFCCCII to Operation Damayan and served as the kick-off for the two-day distribution drive.
Mayor Joy also extended her gratitude to the Filipino Chinese community, saying their contribution was a “napakalaking tulong” to Brgy. Tatalon and other flood-stricken families. Indeed, the relief packs distributed last Aug 28 are not just material goods — they symbolize hope, unity, and compassion in the middle of hardship.
Mr. Jeffrey Ng, Executive Vice-President of the FFCCCII, addressed the beneficiaries and officials, delivering a message of hope and unwavering support from the Filipino Chinese community.
"On behalf of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. and the 'Filipino at Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation,' it is both our duty and our profound honor to stand with you today," Mr. Ng stated. He emphasized the collaborative spirit of the mission, noting, "We are pleased to join hands with the PhilStar Operation Damayan and the Quezon City government in this vital mission of compassion."
Detailing the scale of the response, Mr. Ng shared, “Driven by the spirit of bayanihan, our Federation, together with 30 generous Filipino Chinese community associations and the members of our Foundation, have mobilized in the past weeks... donating over P10 Million Pesos worth of essential goods and food supplies.”
In his eloquent appeal to those affected, he offered words of encouragement: “Nakikiusap po kami sa inyo: Huwag po kayong mawawalan ng pag-asa. Ang hamon ng panahon ay malaki, ngunit mas malaki ang ating puso para magtulungan... Lubos po kaming naniniwala na ang pagkakaisa ang siyang sagot sa anumang pagsubok.” (We appeal to you: Please do not lose hope. The challenge we face is great, but our heart to help one another is greater... We firmly believe that unity is the answer to any trial.)
The relief operations in Quezon City are scheduled as follows:
August 28, 2025
· District 3: Brgy. Hall, Barangay Quirino 2B – 7:30 AM
· District 6: Parkway Village, Barangay Apolonio Samson – 11:00 AM
· District 1: Bthaba Court, Barangay Bahay Toro – 1:00 PM
· District 4: Mabuhay Court, Barangay Tatalon – 3:00 PM
· District 5: Dona Isaura Covered Court, Novaliches Proper – 4:30 PM
August 29, 2025
· District 2: SB Park, Barangay Batasan Hills – 4:00 PM
As someone who grew up hearing the word bayanihan countless times, it is heartening to see that it remains alive — not just among neighbors but also across communities, organizations, and cultures. The presence of councilors, barangay leaders, and private partners only emphasized one thing: when everyone works together, real change becomes possible.
This two-day relief drive in Quezon City is just one part of a bigger, nationwide initiative spearheaded by FFCCCII and its partner foundations. But for the families of Tatalon who lined up, the help they received means more than just survival — it’s a reminder that they are not alone.
Watch the full video coverage of the event below.
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