Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc (BPCI) chairperson Stella Marquez Araneta announced on Saturday, December 25 that the organization donated P500,000 to the Philippines Red Cross to help in the relief operations in the devastation caused by typhoon Odette (international name Rai).

“While most of us are in a festive mood this season, a lot of families in the Visayas and Mindanao are devastated due to the recent calamity that hit them. Our thoughts and our prayers are with our countrymen who were badly affected by typhoon Odette,” Araneta said in a statement.

“With this, BPCI is giving a P500,000 cash donation to the Philippine Red Cross to assist in its relief efforts. We continue to wish for the safety and recovery of the typhoon victims, and look out for each other in these trying times.”

Aside from the donation, the Araneta Group of Companies has also called for donations in kind, which can be dropped at the respective concierges of the malls.

Typhoon Odette is the 15th typhoon to hit the country and was the strongest so far this year. It has caused damage to many parts of Visayas and Mindanao including Siargao, Bohol, Cebu, Palawan, and Southern Leyte. As of Sunday, December 26, the death toll is now at 378.

It has been a good year for BPCI following the wins of Cindy Obeñita as Miss Intercontinental and Maureen Montagne as Miss Globe. The two are currently on vacation and will resume their Bb. Pilipinas work after the holidays.