Coca-Cola provides earthquake-hit Mindanao with clean drinking water
FOLLOWING the disastrous earthquakes that struck Mindanao, which left displaced residents without access to potable water, the CocaCola System in the Philippines immediately mobilized volunteers and resources to facilitate the donation of Wilkins™ water. Through its nationwide network of 19 bottling plants, employee volunteers, and NGO partners such as the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, Caritas Manila, and other organizations, the Coca-Cola System has thus far provided over 115,000 liters of Wilkins™ water to communities severely hit by the devastating earthquakes. From day zero, Coca-Cola mobilized its resources to contribute to the relief efforts. Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. President and CEO Gareth McGeown, with CCBPI’s local Davao team, led the delivery of Wilkins™ water to the hardest-hit areas in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur; they were received by Magsaysay Mayor Arthur Davin. Wilkins™ water was likewise distributed to Digos, Davao del Sur; and Tulunan, Kidapawan, Makilala, and Magpet, in Cotabato. More Wilkins™ water— close to 34,560 liters—are on their way from nearby Coca-Cola bottling plants and distribution centers. The Coca-Cola System is also working with the Tagum City Council of Women Foundation Inc. on the deployment of Coca-Cola’s SETA machine—a mobile water plant that treats water to make it clean and potable—in Bansalan, Davao del Sur.