MANILA, PHILIPPINES, November 25, 2009 -- Emerson (NYSE: EMR) announced today that the company has donated five million pesos to Habitat for Humanity Philippines to build houses for people who are living in unsafe conditions, especially those who lost their homes during the recent Ondoy-Ketsana typhoon. In addition, the fund will also be used to provide tools and kits for people to repair houses damaged by typhoons. The donation is part of Emerson’s global corporate citizenship efforts which in the Philippines cover education, healthcare and humanitarian assistance.
At a ceremony held today, Sara Yang Bosco, president of Emerson Asia-Pacific, presented a cheque to David Bonifacio, trustee member of Habitat for Humanity Philippines’ National Board, representing Emerson’s commitment to helping those in need in the country.
“The devastating typhoons caused massive destruction, and many families have lost their homes. We wanted to express our compassion and help care for those affected by the typhoons in the Philippines through direct assistance,” said Bosco. “Emerson is a global technology and manufacturing company, operating around the world in hundreds of communities. While our focus is on our business goals, we never forget we are an integral part of the communities where we operate and have a responsibility to be good corporate citizens and great neighbors.”
Founded in the United States in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, Christian housing ministry that works both to eliminate poverty housing and to make adequate housing a matter of conscience and action. In the Philippines, the first local affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International were established in 1988. Today, Habitat for Humanity Philippines (www.habitat.org.ph)has built more than 24,000 houses nationwide.
“At Habitat for Humanity, we believe that a proper home is the gateway to improved family health, better schooling for children, and the chance to earn extra income. We transform lives by creating proper homes for people in need,“ said David Bonifacio. ”We are glad that Emerson has provided financial assistance to support the home rebuilding effort in the Philippines. We also appreciate the contributions from their employees who are taking part in various voluntary programs. Their support is important to the long-term success of the program.”
In addition to the donation, Emerson’s employees are also actively participating in community work. Ninety Emerson Manila employees recently supported a volunteer initiative organized by Habitat for Humanity Philippines. As typhoons have destroyed many homes, more than 900 families were living in three evacuation centers which have limited hygienic facilities like toilets. Emerson employees participated in the program and helped build prefabricated toilets in the centers. In future, they will also take part in the house building as well as other education and welfare programs.
“Manila has been home for Emerson since 1994 and when an extraordinary event occurs that personally impacts our associates and the community as a whole, we support those in need and offer assistance to rebuild. Habitat for Humanity Philippines is a well run organization that can deliver tangible relief and shelter long after the storms have subsided. Emerson is proud to make this donation and our employees will take considerable satisfaction in building up to 50 new homes in 2010,“ said Dave Caldwell, general manager of Emerson Manila Shared Services.
Emerson provides financial assistance and other resources to support hundreds of community organizations and educational institutions globally. Emerson’s private sector commitments to local organizations and institutions help to enrich the lives of all citizens by strengthening communities and regions.
