San Miguel donates P330m in livelihood assistance to families of slain 165 soldiers, cops oin Marawi

October 26, 2017

San Miguel Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), the social development arm of San Miguel Corp., donated a total of P330 million worth of livelihood business assistance for the families of 165 soldiers and policemen who died during the battle in Marawi City.

The donation was formally received by outgoing AFP Chief of Staff General Eduardo Ano from SMFI COO and President Ramon Ang in a ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday.

During the ceremony Ano, Ang and his San Miguel Chief Finance Officer Ferdinand Constantino signed a Memorandum of Agreement detailing the livelihood assistance program.

In his speech, Ang expressed gratitude to the government forces for defending the country from the terrorism.

“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,” he said

“The San Miguel Corporation extends P330 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 added.

Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP Public Affairs chief, said each beneficiary of the livelihood program will be given two million pesos business start-up.

“They can select business package from Petron, Kambal Pandesal, BMEG Feeds, Distributorship, TJ Hotdog, Monterey Meat Shop and San Miguel Food Avenue franchise,” he said.

“San Miguel Corporation will also conduct Financial Literacy Training and Start-up Business Seminar,” he added.

During the ceremony, Ano also emphasized the importance of the live hood assistance for the families of the soldiers and policemen who sacrifice their lives for the country.

“One hundred and sixty five lives have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the liberation of Marawi City. No amount of money can really repay the lives of our heroes, but the generosity of our stakeholders eased the burden of their families,” he said.

“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.

“To the bereaved families, we are with you all the way. We will not leave each other, and we will make sure that you will get the best of everything,” Ano concluded. Robina Asido/DMS