Maersk Line helps Philippines typhoon victims

November 04, 2009

The typhoons and their aftermath

The Philippines were hit by successive typhoons in late September and early October, leaving much of Manila and other areas flooded, killing hundreds and affecting millions of people.

Typhoon Ondoy (called Ketsana in the international press) was the strongest typhoon in forty years and struck Manila on September 26 and 27. A week later, the typhoon Pepeng (internationally, Parma) caused even more devastation in the north.

Emergency assistance

Maersk Line responded immediately. “One of the first things we did was to ensure that the staff affected were able to take out emergency loans from Maersk. When a tragedy like this happens, it’s crucial for people to get back on their feet as soon as possible,” explains Mailyn Perena-Borillo of Maersk-Filipinas Crewing Inc.

Maersk Line employees reach out

Employees were eager to help out, too. Our Manila office has been collecting donated canned food and clothing, as well as monetary donations from employees at all our offices. Maersk Line will match the monetary donations and distribute the collected money and items to affected employees.

International Maersk Line employees and offices are also donating – with our staff in Singapore sending clothes, canned food and money and our Iberian offices joining forces to raise more than $1,600 selling homemade cakes in the office.

“The catastrophe is not over”, Ms Borillo concludes, “but we hope the worst part is over and that we have been able to help our staff to get back on their feet.”