One UPV Foundation supports COVID-19 relief in Iloilo

With the COVID-19 situation evolving exponentially, we know this concern is on everyone’s mind.

One UPV Foundation (USA) Inc., and its board of directors, is committed to the mission of supporting life-changing opportunities for our scholars and, especially during this time, supporting our communities.

We’ve seen times of crisis bring out the best in people. In true “one UP” spirit, several alumni in our network have already reached out to ask if One UPV can help channel much needed donations to communities in need in Western Visayas. The short answer: yes.

The situation
The premises of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV) have been locked down since March 13. All offices and establishments, except for grocery stores and drug stores, are closed and all mass transportation are suspended from operating. Local governmental units are strictly enforcing the community quarantine. Only one person per household is allowed to venture out at certain hours to buy provisions. Border restrictions have been established in every town and in every barangay. Students were all sent home and all offices are closed. Needless to say, the community is fearful and everything academic is suspended indefinitely.

Unfortunately, there were students who were not able to return to their homes before the lockdown and border restrictions. There are 147 UPV students sheltering in dormitories on the Miagao and Iloilo City campuses. Many of these students are from impoverished families and couldn’t afford to return home.

You can help
Prof. Mary Ann T. Gumban, UPV’s Vice Chancellor for Administration, is the incident commander in UP Visayas and has asked One UPV and our network for support. Her team is focused on the health and safety of these students trapped in the dormitories, as well as the faculty and non-academic personnel that remain on campus. Donations sent will help provide meals and other necessities to the students and staff staying with them. In addition, Prof. Gumban promises to also share these provisions with frontline services like health service providers, security guards, cleaners and disinfectants in the form of food, hygiene products and vitamins. She will also be happy to accept test kits, which are very rare and unavailable in the Philippines.

Donate. A little goes a long way.
To make a donation, use the options available on our donation page.
Include a note, “COVID-19,” with your contribution and we will make sure to route your funds directly to supporting COVID-19 relief efforts in and around the Province of Iloilo.