The ceremonial turnover was attended by (from left to right) Director Jay R Dela Fuente, Department Head of the Manila Department of Social Welfare, Manila’s city mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno Domagoso, Ms. Celeste Jovenir, COO of DigiPlus Foundation, Paul Tamayo, Program Manager for Health and Resilience Pillar, Vice Mayor of Manila Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza-Valdepeñas, and other key officials from the city government.
MANILA, Philippines—In a significant step toward enhancing community resilience, DigiPlus Foundation, in partnership with GameZone, formally turned over disaster preparedness equipment to the City Government of Manila on April 7, 2026, at P. Guevara Elementary School.
The initiative underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities and strengthening not only Manila’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively during emergencies but also its ability to extend support beyond city borders.
Reinforcing community readiness
The donated equipment includes essential tools such as life vests, rescue ropes, portable megaphones, rechargeable flashlights, searchlights, rain gear, rescue boats, and emergency floaters, designed to strengthen disaster response operations and improve on-the-ground efficiency during floods and typhoons.
“During past typhoons that affected Manila, we experienced firsthand the strain on our resources, such as limited equipment, delayed response times, and the difficulty of immediately reaching all affected families. There were even circumstances when we requested to borrow equipment from nearby cities. These realities made it clear how critical preparedness is, especially in a densely populated city like ours. This donation from DigiPlus Foundation and GameZone directly addresses those challenges. With better equipment on hand, we can respond faster, coordinate more effectively, and not only serve Manileños better but also extend help to neighboring cities when needed. It’s not just additional equipment; it is a meaningful boost to our capacity to serve in times of crisis,” Mayor Isko Moreno emphasized.
Beyond serving Manila’s immediate needs, the additional equipment also addresses a long-standing reality of neighboring cities often turning to Manila for assistance during large-scale emergencies. With increased resources now available, the city government of Manila is better positioned to lend critical equipment to nearby cities when needed, extending the reach of disaster response efforts across communities.
This reflects DigiPlus Foundation’s broader vision of multiplying the good, ensuring that every investment creates ripple effects that benefit not just one city, but an entire region.
A shared mission for safer communities
The Chief Operating Officer of DigiPlus Foundation, Ms. Celeste Jovenir, emphasized that the donation is part of the foundation’s broader mission under its BayanihanPLUS: Community Resilience Pillar. “Our goal is not only to provide assistance but also to enable preparedness. By equipping local government units, we ensure that help reaches communities faster and more efficiently when it matters most,” Ms. Jovenir shared.
Meanwhile, GameZone echoed this commitment to social responsibility, emphasizing that real impact comes from empowering communities. Their joint initiative with DigiPlus Foundation reflects a shared dedication to being active partners in nation-building and disaster resilience.
Building a more resilient Manila
This donation represents more than just equipment, but it symbolizes a proactive approach to disaster management through collaboration, preparedness, and shared responsibility.
As climate-related risks continue to intensify, partners like DigiPlus Foundation, GameZone, and the local government of Manila play an important role in ensuring that communities are not only ready to respond but are also empowered to support one another, recover faster, and rebuild stronger together.
About DigiPlus Interactive Corp.
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced leading platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. For more information, visit: www.digiplus.com.ph.
About DigiPlus Foundation
DigiPlus Foundation is the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corporation, a Philippine-based digital entertainment company. Its mission is to “multiply the good” by implementing community programs and services that uplift lives and contribute to a digitally advanced and resilient nation. For more information, visit: https://digiplusfoundation.org.
