In photo: From left VeMoBro Digital Marketing Officer Grettel, VeMoBro COO Rain Ibajo, VeMoBro Founder and CEO Engr. Vergil Bargola, PRC Chairman Richard Gordon and PRC Governor Ernesto Isla (in red jacket) during the turn over of rescue boat from VeMoBro, PH e-commerce platform
Following the first tropical cyclone for 2021, Typhoon Auring, which wreaked havoc in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, Polaris Digital Platform Enterprises Corporation – the company that launched the homegrown VeMoBro ecommerce platform – donated a rescue boat to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to help reach thousands of displaced Filipinos as part of their corporate social responsibility campaign.
“The news about the submerged villages in Visayas and Mindanao are truly heart-wrenching. Of course, it’s hard to ignore these things, especially knowing how Typhoon Auring has destroyed many homes, crops, and businesses in these areas. We can only imagine how difficult the current situation is for our fellow Filipinos,” Vergil Bargola, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Polaris, stated during the turnover of the donation to PRC CEO Richard Gordon on March 11, 2021.
Recent reports show that over 16,000 families from Eastern and Central Visayas; Northern Mindanao; and the Caraga region fled to safety during the pre-emptive evacuation. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council also revealed that at least 179 homes were damaged due to the heavy rainfall and flash flood.
“Through our humble donation, we are hoping that the Philippine Red Cross will reach more people who are in desperate situations like this. A single lifeboat can make a huge difference, especially during rescue and relief operations,” Bargola said.
To stay true to the company’s mantra that harps on compassion, empathy, and inclusion, Polaris provided a rescue boat built with tough polyethylene and UV8 stabilizers to the PRC.
The engineer-turned-CEO, who is also a pastor and lecturer in a Christian organization, shared that the said lifeboat can carry at least seven to 10 passengers.
“This lifeboat is geared with long-shaft outboard motors, as well as paddles and life vests. It’s something that is built to last so hopefully, the Philippine Red Cross will make the most of it during this pressing time.”
Bargola also emphasized why VeMoBro, despite being a newcomer in the e-commerce scene, is more than eager to lend a helping hand.
“Corporate social responsibility is at the heart of VeMoBro and Polaris’ existence. We want to create a big impact in society and establish a name that people can always rely on, even when challenges arise,” Bargola pointed out.
The homegrown e-commerce platform that has recently made its debut in the country aims to push forward the lives of Filipino entrepreneurs through its innovative business solutions centered on developing strong and trustworthy relationships.
Furthermore, VeMoBro, which is short for “Velocity, Mobility, and Broad,” is a one-stop digital marketplace where users can find the best deals for different products or services. It also offers a variety of logistics and payment options, depending on customers’ needs.
Along with VeMoBro, Polaris has also partnered on the donation with freight servicing company Cargo Padala Express (CaPEx), Alphacon Logistics, and VJB Construction Corp.
To learn more about VeMoBro, log on to its website at https://info.vemobro.com.ph/about-us.
