Former senator and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is extending a helping hand to his fellow Mindanaoans following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Southern Mindanao on June 8, leaving widespread destruction across several cities and provinces, including his home General Santos City and Sarangani.
On June 10, Manny expressed his sympathy for families affected by the disaster, particularly those who lost loved ones, homes, and sources of livelihood.
"My heart is heavy as I receive news of the destruction and distress caused by the earthquake in our home. To the families who have lost loved ones and to everyone who has been displaced or suffered damage to their homes and livelihoods, please know that you are in my thoughts and in my prayers,” he wrote in a statement.
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Determined to help those affected, Manny launched a relief campaign through The Manny Pacquiao Foundation via https://pacquiaofoundation.org/ encouraging supporters and donors to contribute to ongoing recovery efforts.
The foundation is accepting donations through various channels, including card payments, cryptocurrency, Apple Pay, and PayPal, among others. Those who wish to help may also send assistance through GoFundMe or by check. Meanwhile, in-kind donations are also being accepted and can be coordinated through the foundation via info@pacquiaofoundation.org.
According to the foundation, the funds raised will be used to provide emergency food, temporary shelter and emergency housing needs, medical care, hygiene kits, and assistance for displaced families, children, seniors, and vulnerable populations
Although he is currently in the United States with his family, Manny assured the public that he remains closely involved in coordinating relief operations on the ground.
“Though I am currently here in the United States fulfilling prior commitments, I am monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with our teams on the ground to ensure that help reaches those who need it most as quickly as possible. Please stay strong and remain vigilant for aftershocks.”
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“I am working to expedite my return so that I can be there in person to stand with you, listen to your needs, and personally help in our recovery efforts. You are not alone in this. We will face this challenge together and rebuild as one. Stay safe and may God bless and protect all of you,” he ended.
In another post, Manny shared his gratitude to those who have already donated and gave a message of strength to his kababayans.
“Thank you so much for your prayers and generosity. Many of you have reached out asking how you can help, so here are a few ways we can come together. To my kababayan affected by the earthquake, you are not alone. We are one family, and we will rise back stronger than ever. Mahal na mahal ko kayo. God bless the Philippines”.
Even before his return, relief operations have already begun.
As of this writing, the Manny Pacquiao Foundation has started rolling out aid to affected families across Mindanao. In photos and videos shared by his wife, Jinkee Pacquiao, members of the organization in General Santos City were seen preparing and packing in-kind donations for distribution.
Jinkee also shared footage showing relief supplies being transported by boat to reach communities, as damaged roads have made several areas difficult to access.
Meanwhile, Manny’s son, Michael Pacquiao, who currently serves as a city councilor of General Santos City, has been actively participating in relief efforts on the ground. On June 10, Michael led the distribution of relief goods to affected residents alongside content creators Boss Toyo, Tukomi, and more.
Manny served as the congressman of Sarangani from 2010 to 2016 before becoming a senator from 2016 to 2022. He was succeeded in Congress by his younger brother, Rogelio Pacquiao, who served from 2016 to 2022, while his sister-in-law, Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao, currently serves as mayor of General Santos City.
As communities continue to recover from the earthquake's devastating impact, support has also poured in from other public figures. International stars and social media personalities have expressed concern for the victims through messages of prayer and solidarity.
Among those who publicly extended their prayers and condolences were Thalia, Sandara Park, Melai Cantiveros, and Anne Curtis, who used their respective social media platforms to show support for those affected by the disaster.