San Miguel, SM help in disaster relief efforts

MANILA - Some of the country's biggest conglomerates are helping in the relief efforts for victims of tropical storm "Maring" and the heavy flooding. San Miguel said it has reached out to at least 30,000 families in Paranaque, Laguna and Cavite with free bottled water, canned goods and coffee. San Miguel has also deployed amphibious vehicles and speedboats to help in the rescue efforts. Google, meanwhile, has released a crisis map, providing information about the tropical storm's path, the rainfall warning and the 24-hour rainfall and flooding forecast. Google said the map also charts areas prone to landslide and floods. Meanwhile, SM said all of its 47 malls nationwide remain open and are ready to accept donations that will be coursed through Caritas Manila. "Donation bins will be made available in the malls. All donations will be coursed though Caritas Manila," SM Supermalls said. Free call stations Telcos Smart and Globe have deployed "libreng tawag" stations in flooded areas to assist affected residents. Globe said it has set up two Libreng Tawag stations in Marikina City to assist residents who are staying in evacuation centers. The Libreng Tawag centers are located at Bulelak Gym in Brgy. Malanday and H. Bautista Elementary School in Brgy. Concepcion Uno. Smart has also deployed free call stations in Binan Poblacion Police Station, Laguna; and Malanday elementary school, Marikina. More stations will be opened in Mandaluyong, Taguig, Quezon City and Rosario and General Trias in Cavite, as well as other parts of Marikina. - ANC