Coca-Cola Philippines and its bottling partner, Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, said on so that the advertising budget could be used to support the recovery and relief efforts from Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) that struck the country on November 8, 2013.
In addition to advertising budget donation in the Philippines, the Coca-Cola system has contributed more than $2.5 million in cash and in-kind contributions to the relief and recovery effort.
“We would like to express our deepest sympathies to those affected by this tragic disaster in the Philippines,” said Muhtar Kent, chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company.
“Our associates are on the ground offering assistance, and we are committed to helping the communities rebuild.”
Through The Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, both companies began donating water for relief efforts immediately after the storm to the Philippine Red Cross, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Coca-Cola Philippines is providing $1 million for additional relief initiatives, community rehabilitation, and to assist small, independent customers with reconstruction.
The Coca-Cola Foundation in Atlanta has contributed $1 million to the American National Red Cross for humanitarian aid to the Philippines.
By the end of the week, the Coca-Cola system will have donated 129,000 cases of water to the affected communities, representing an in-kind contribution valued at $590,000.
“From day one, we have mobilized our system to provide water and resources to the survivors of the super typhoon. Immediately after the disaster, we worked with our partners, the Philippine Red Cross, the DSWD, and the AFP to be able to provide water to the affected areas,” said Guillermo Aponte, president and GM of Coca-Cola Philippines.
“Our business is deeply rooted in these communities, therefore we will provide assistance during this time of need.”
