British philanthropist Jonathan Sterling has donated P30 million to the GMA Kapuso Foundation to assist families affected by the recent 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Mindanao. This significant contribution aims to provide temporary housing for those displaced in the wake of the disaster.
The donation was formalized through a memorandum of agreement between Sterling and the foundation, with GMA Network officials Annette Gozon-Valdes and Rikki Escudero-Catibog representing the organization.
I told him about the work of GMA Kapuso Foundation and he suddenly said, 'I want to donate.' I'm so impressed by his charitable heart.
Annette Gozon-Valdes, GMA Network SVP
The temporary shelters will consist of 16-square-meter single-detached units, equipped with outdoor kitchens, designed to support families in the SOCCSKSARGEN area and Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental.
Sterling expressed his empathy for the earthquake survivors. He stated, 'My heart goes out to the families that lost what they have... help is on the way. I’m gonna do my part.'
The earthquake struck offshore Maasim, Sarangani, in June, prompting a nationwide response to support the displaced families. Sterling's donation is part of a broader philanthropic effort, reflecting a growing trend among international donors to assist in disaster recovery efforts in the Philippines.