Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), through its credit card arm RCBC Credit Cards, has turned over P3-million worth of donation to Gawad Kalinga, a Philippine-based poverty alleviation and nation-building movement that focuses on empowering communities through its various social programs.
The donation, which demonstrates the Yuchengco-led bank’s commitment to social responsibility, will aid in providing nutritious meals for underprivileged children across the country.
“RCBC Credit Cards and Gawad Kalinga share a common vision of a hunger-free Philippines. It is through efforts like these that we are able to provide hope and opportunity for children to grow and reach their full potential,” said Ma. Angela C. Mirasol, RCBC Credit Cards FVP and Marketing & Corporate Communications Head.
RCBC Credit Cards’ Diamond Cares Program has been instrumental in sustaining Gawad Kalinga’s mission to alleviate hunger and provide better nutrition for Filipino children. For every P100 spent by cardholders using their RCBC Diamond Platinum Mastercard, P0.10 is donated to Gawad Kalinga’s Kusina ng Kalinga (KnK) program.
The KnK program, established through a collaborative effort of Gawad Kalinga, various donors and partners, the Department of Education (DepEd), local government units (LGUs), and volunteers, establishes and operates a central kitchen in public schools, communities, disaster areas, and streets. It serves one nutritious meal a day for children 1-12 years old for at least 120 days, up to 220 days for each school year.
As of 2020, KnK has already set up 105 kitchens and served 869 schools nationwide, reaching a total number of 38,610 students.
“Our RCBC Diamond Platinum Mastercard cardholders have become true partners in this noble cause, ensuring more Filipino children receive nutritious meals. We are truly grateful for their commitment,” Mirasol added.
Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Daniel R. Bercasio said that the sustainability of any poverty alleviation program starts at restoring the dignity of a person. In the Philippines, 1 of out 3 children under 5 years old are stunted. Stunting has detrimental effects on the brain development that are irreversible. In 2017, Unicef released a report that 95 Filipino children are dying of hunger and malnutrition everyday.
“Amid this massive crisis, Gawad Kalinga is extremely grateful for partners like RCBC Credit Cards, together with its credit card holders, for consistently championing ending hunger for thousands of poor children in the country, for restoring their dignity and make sure that we leave no one behind,” Bercasio added.
The partnership between RCBC Credit Cards and Gawad Kalinga has resulted in thousands of meals served, touching the lives of many children and families in marginalized communities. The latest donation of P3 million was handed over at the GK Gala Night.
