Singers and OPM Stars Come Together for Metro Safe & Sound For The Benefit of Pantawid ng Pag-ibig

Music has the ability to reach further and touch hearts more than words ever could. With just a few bars of soaring vocals, the first lines of a tender ballad, or the soulful blending of voices acapella—stirring emotions go straight to the heart and exist beyond interpretation.

It is through music that Metro aims to bring joy and hope to millions of Filipinos on lockdown due to COVID-19, and at the same time, raise funds for much-needed life-saving assistance to those marginalized by the lockdown—through the Pantawid ng Pag-ibig efforts of ABS-CBN Foundation.  

The campaign was launched last by ABS-CBN last March 22 through the At Home Together concert, and as of March 31, have raised P305,956,395 in donations and pledges. 

"We are helping our Kapamilyas specifically hit [by the COVID-10 lockdown] because of No Work / No Pay situation. Here, we are asking people to stay at home, but because they have no livelihood opportunities, they are left with no means to feed their families,"explains ABS-CBN-CBN Foundation managing director Susan Afan. "So we have decided to complement the food subsidy that the 17 Metro Manila Local Government Units are giving their constituents to ease some of the burden."

To further support the Pantawid ng Pag-ibig fundraising efforts, Metro launches its Metro Safe & Sound unplugged music video series, starting with The Holy Week edition to begin this Palm Sunday with the 92AD band. This will be followed by performances of soloist Katrina Saga on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, and the UST Singers on Black Saturday.  

Through this concert series, Metro hopes to give inspiration during the Holy Week, and to continue the efforts of ABS-CBN Foundation. 

"We are experiencing a surge of true bayanihan spirit," beams Afan. "From suppliers, logistics companies helpign us deliver the goods, to the LGUs serving as our distribution channels, to donors that gives us P20 through digital wallets, to major corporations giving us millions!," she says of the relief efforts. 

"This is a global experience that's affecting us all. And people are responding in their own ways and try and copy with the COVID-19 crisis. And with the social distancing in play, the easiest way right now to help those in need is by donating money."

Pantawid ng Pag-ibig gathers both cash and in-kind donations from both the general pubic and private corporations. For cash donations, the ABS-CBN Foundation will purchase goods and necessities, and turn it over to the LGUs as they are in charge of distribution and receiving of goods. The LGUs would be the ones to re-pack and distribute the goods, which include rice, canned goods, water, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and other hygiene kits. 

She says that one of the reasons why the Pantawid was successful was because of the overwhelming response that ABS-CBN Foundation received from the ABS-CBN Network Executives, management staff, artists, and advertisers. "Grabe, feeling isang pamilya tayo not just in words but in action!"

Apart from donating, as indicated , she suggests other ways that you can help out, such as volunteering.

"For those that can help share their blessings, please donate. For those able to volunteer in their own communities, do it but make sure you wear a mask, gloves, and practice social distancing. For other at home, check on the elderly, call a friend. Only re-post articles on social media that have been verified, can inspire, or uplift. Prayers for safety and strength for our frontliners and bereaved families are also helpful. Everyone truly has something can contribute!" she adds. 

Watch 92AD's Palm Sunday performance for Metro's Safe & Sound Holy Week Series on April 5, 4p.m., on Metro Channel and Metro.Style's YouTube channel. Catch the other performances at  the same time on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, and Easter Sunday.