MANILA, Philippines – Bosch today announced its ongoing efforts with Habitat for Humanity to help rebuild community facilities in Visayan cities that were affected by Typhoon Yolanda. Dubbed Tindog Pilipinas, the reconstruction project is part of Bosch’s commitment to education and community development, and will focus on construction of schools and barangay centers that were destroyed by the typhoon.
Serving as the conduit organization for the Tindog Pilipinas project, Primavera – the foundation established by Bosch to support youth development initiatives worldwide – has raised a total of €174,000 largely from Robert Bosch GmbH in Stuttgart, Germany and contributions from Bosch employees across the globe. In tandem with long-term building partner Habitat for Humanity, Bosch will use the funds to construct six multi-purpose centers, three school buildings, and three libraries in Central and Eastern Visayas by the end of the year. Areas that will benefit from this effort are Daanbantayan and Medellin in Cebu, as well as Tacloban, Palo, Alang-alang and Tanauan in Leyte.
In February, President of Robert Bosch Southeast Asia Martin Hayes and Robert Bosch Inc. (Philippines) Managing Director Andrew Powell inspected and selected the rebuilding project’s target reconstruction locations in the Visayas region. They were joined by former Bosch Philippines Managing Director and current Robert Bosch Limited (Thailand) Managing Director Joseph Hong.
“The damage brought on by Typhoon Yolanda has spurred global action to reestablish communities and bring hope to the Filipino nation,” said Andrew Powell, Managing Director, Robert Bosch Philippines. “We are overwhelmed by the response of our company, having received donations from virtually every Bosch organization in the world. Bosch will work alongside the Filipino community to further rehabilitate the severely affected areas and provide sustainable support, specifically for schools.”
Tindog Pilipinas will also engage Bosch’s local pool of associates to aid in the yearlong initiative. This coming May, employees of Bosch will take part in site clearing to pave the way for the the construction of target structures in Cebu and Leyte. Bosch will work with Habitat for Humanity to complete as many structures as possible, equipping workers with Bosch power tools to help fast-track the construction and aim for turnover of key facilities in time for the upcoming school year in June.
“Our collaboration with Bosch is a great leap towards a better Filipino community. By providing long-term, sustainable solutions to the devastated learning environments in Visayas, we are able to make an impact to the youth and extend opportunities for a brighter future,” said Habitat for Humanity Philippines CEO Charlie Ayco.
Typhoon Yolanda, a category five storm that struck the country in November 2013, caused catastrophic damage to hundreds of buildings, power supplies, roads, and several thousands who were left homeless.
