LIST: Angel Locsin’s philanthropic efforts during the pandemic
Apart from her iconic showbiz roles, Angel Locsin has been widely known for her consistent philanthropy. Even before the pandemic, her humanitarian efforts led her to be dubbed as one of Forbes magazine’s Asian Heroes of Philanthropy back in 2019.
With the pandemic still in full swing, here’s a run-down of the initiatives that the so-called “real-life Darna” has done so far.
Raised P11 million on her 35th birthday
Angel celebrated her first pandemic birthday last year with a fundraising campaign that aimed to provide PPEs, monetary donations, and support to hospitals that were overwhelmed with the initial onslaught of the virus.
The "Unitent We Stand PH" initiative raised over P11 million, benefitting 135 hospitals and setting up 146 isolation tents in the span of 19 days.
During the height of the isolation tent shortage, the actress was also seen helping hospitals and beneficiaries set up their tents.
Naabutan ng Task Force ang aktres inaayos ang ‘air conditioned tents’ na kasalukuyang nagsisilbing pahingahan ng mga health workers sa lugar. ?? pic.twitter.com/MBtzM29k1f
— Philippine Coast Guard (@coastguardph) March 22, 2020
Teamed up with fellow actors for test kits
With mass testing in mind, Angel teamed up with fellow actresses Bea Alonzo and Anne Curtis to raise funds to provide COVID-19 test kits for those in need.
11 years after its last show, the trio reopened the “Shop & Share” project that had them auction off personal items to fans. They were soon joined by numerous showbiz personalities such as Dimples Romana, Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo, Dingdong Dantes, and Coco Martin, among others.
The initiative raised over P700,000 on its first day, with the latest update from March 25 totaling over P6 million from auctions.
Donated P1 million to Pasig City without fanfare
Aside from making waves online, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto also thanked their Shop and Share initiative earlier this month for quietly donating P1 million for the city’s COVID-19 response and relief efforts.
"Dinonate nila ito walang fanfare, walang media - ni hindi nga kami nagkita. Iniwan lang nila 'yung tseke," Sotto had shared via Facebook Live.
Other P1 million beneficiaries of the Shop and Share project include Quezon City, Manila, Baguio, Taguig, and Philippine Red Cross
Quezon City Community Pantry
Perhaps one of the most ambitious initiative that the actress has undertaken during the pandemic is the community pantry effort for her 36th birthday today, April 23.
Angel set up the fully-stocked pantry located in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City for what was supposed to be a bayanihan effort. which unfortunately turned into chaos as thousands flocked to the scene and a 67-year old man collapsed while waiting in line. He was later declared dead on arrival at a hospital.
The actress has since issued an apology over the issue, promising that she is claiming responsibility for the incident and will continue supporting the family of the deceased.
“Gustuhin ko man pong mag-abot, I don't think papayagan pa po ako ulit na gawin 'to. Baka po ipahatid na lang namin ‘to kung ano man po ang matitirang goods natin sa area para mapakinabangan ng iba. Pasensya na po,” Locsin shared via social media.
“Gusto ko lang po talagang i-celebrate ang birthday ko sana na makatulong ako sa ibang tao. Hindi ko po intensyon na magkagulo.”
