Responding to pleas for assistance from hundreds of thousands of flood victims all over Metro Manila and in neighboring provinces brought by  the non-stop torrential rains, the Philippine Basketball Association is donating P1 million, which it will course through either the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
A parallel amount of P1 million will also come from the Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation Inc. as part of the PBA’s overall effort to reach out to the calamity victims, according to Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes.
"The PBA is always ready to respond to the needs of our kababayan,” said PBA Commissioner Chito Salud. “Our track record bears that out. Aside from the PBA's one million-peso donation in cash, our team owners and players are ready to take part in any activity that supports the cause of alleviating the plight of those families victimized by the recent floods. We send our deepest sympathy to the victims."
PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial said a big number of PBA players have made themselves available for any relief work which the league or ABC-5 will undertake within the next few days.
“Other than food and clothes, the players’ personal donation have now reached P150,000 with more pledges coming,” said Marcial.
Bobby Barreiro, chief operating officer of ABC-5/AKTV, is reportedly working out a relief operation program that would involve PBA players and team and league officials.
“I am so proud of our PBA players who are eager to help out the flood victims,” Salud said. “They are truly responsible and kind-hearted individuals, and it is with genuine concern that they offer to participate in relief operations.”
PBA chairman Mert Mondragon of Rain or Shine echoed Salud’s sentiment.
“While it is heartbreaking to see the harrowing plight of our countrymen in the wake of this calamity, it is at the same time heart-warming to know that our players are volunteering for relief operation work,” Mondragon said. "This truly is the PBA way."