MANILA — The San Miguel Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) formally turned over PHP330 million worth of livelihood assistance to the families of slain policemen and soldiers in Marawi to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday.
The money is intended to alleviate the plight of the families and loved ones of the 165 soldiers and police officers killed in the five-month battle to retake Marawi City from the clutches of the Maute Group terrorists.
Each beneficiary of the livelihood program are given PHP2 million business startup, and they can select business package from Petron, Kambal Pandesal, BMEG Feeds, Distributorship, TJ Hotdog, Monterey Meat Shop and San Miguel Food Avenue franchise.
Present during the handover ceremonies were SMFI president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang and then outgoing AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año.
“We thank you for defending our country, Marawi is free and our country is much safer. But as we celebrate this victory, we are also mourning,” Ang added.
“The San Miguel Corporation extends PHP330 million to (the families of) 165 soldiers and policemen killed-in-action capital for business assistance, it is the best way we can honor them. We can never replace them nor repay them for their sacrifice, but we can honor them and help fulfill their dream of better lives for their families,” he emphasized.
Fighting in Marawi City started when government troops tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and his cohorts last May 23.
“To the AFP, the entire nation is truly proud of you,” the SMFI president added.
While no amount of money can compensate families for the lost of a loved one, Año said the generosity of SMFI will greatly ease the burden on the families.
“We will make sure that we will help them as you helped them rebuild their lives. We cannot thank you enough, the whole AFP appreciates your effort,” he added.
San Miguel Corporation will also conduct Financial Literacy Training and Start-up Business Seminar
Turnover ceremonies took place at the Del Pilar Lounge, General Headquarters Grandstand, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Thursday afternoon. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
