JEDDAH, 3 December 2002 — To raise funds for “Bantay Bata 163”, “Bantay Kalikasan” and three other programs, ABS-CBN will hold a worldwide telethon on Dec. 8 entitled “A Call for A Better World.”
“A better world for our children has been our battle cry for more than a decade now. And through the years, with the strategic support of partners and like you, millions of Filipino children have benefited from the child development and childcare services of the ABS-CBN Foundation Incorporated (AFI),” commented Tina Monson-Palma, project coordinator of the said telethon.
All the big stars of ABS-CBN will be involved in this project to be aired from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight in Manila over ANC on Dec. 8. A live 2-hour hook-up over The Filipino Channel (TFC) will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Saudi time.
Gina Lopez, managing director of ABS Foundation Incorporated (AFI) has invited individuals and organizations to participate in this worthy cause. “I would like to invite you to join us by calling in your support and pledges to various ABS-CBN Foundation programs like Bantay Bata 163, Bantay Kalikasan, E-Media, and ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation.”
Bantay Bata 163 provides assistance to child abuse survivors and disaster victims. It has, so far, attended to more than 15,000 cases throughout the Philippines. Bantay Kalikasan is an environmental program that supports initiatives to create a better world for our children. Through the efforts of the program, La Mesa watershed has been reforested by at least 70 percent. This watershed is the last remaining water source of Metro Manila.
E-Media has produced television and radio shows that aim to educate children and enable them to reach their potential. Through the program and its generous supporters, 10,000 TV sets and 50,000 educational videotapes have been distributed to elementary schools. Bayan Foundation has provided assistance for small-scale business for the less fortunate. It has provided livelihood to 19,000 clients, mostly needy women, in 25 provinces of the Philippines.
There are two ways to participate in this telethon. An individual or group may want to call in their donations to ABS-CBN on the day of the telethon itself using 1-800-5888-888 (Bayantel international toll free number). Donors can also text or call +63-917-840-0717.
Donors can fill-out a pledge form and fax it to ABS-CBN (fax number +632-411-0858) before Dec. 8. Forms are available at the offices of The Filipino Channel (ART Compound beside Dallah Towers) and from Alyansa. Or bring the filled-out pledge forms to TFC office.
