THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines-Los Baños had aided thousands of families in need through its disaster and response relief task force.

Dubbed as “Agapay”, the disaster and response program aims to be a central point of coordination for the collection, management, and delivery of donations for disaster relief.

As of December 15, 2020, Agapay has raised over P417,000 from the UPLB community, alumni, and other donors. It also received food and non-food items such as face masks, alcohol, medicine, and water.

“These donations have been used for relief packs to various disaster-struck communities in Laguna, Mindoro, Batangas, Albay, Camarines Sur, Rizal, and Marikina,” the university said.

“Agapay has given disaster relief assistance to over 3,000 families, including 250 farmers in 47 barangays in Libon, Albay who were given recovery packs of vegetable seeds, and 1480 families in Brgys. Sta. Cruz and Ilaya in Buhi, Camarines Sur who received relief packs,” it added.

The university UPLB plans to raise funds this holiday season through the #PaskongUPLB2020 to be able to distribute Christmas packages to the needy.

“Agapay continues to prepare itself,  not only for the needs of people who continue to suffer from conditions caused by the recent calamities but also for other disasters that might happen in the future as Agapay aims to be of help and live true to the UPLB spirit of compassion and public service,” the university said.