Converge takes care of its own: deploys aid, resources for Typhoon Odette recovery

In the wake of super typhoon Odette, Converge has initiated widespread relief efforts for employees without food, water, housing in Central Visayas and Mindanao. 

Torrential rains, storm surges, and strong winds battered five provinces in Visayas, and in Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands in Mindanao after the landfall of Typhoon Odette on December 15. 

The extensive devastation left by the typhoon displaced thousands of families, rendered roads impassable, cut off communications, connectivity, and power, and left residents isolated from sources of water, fuel, and food. 

In the face of the destruction, Converge responded by way of providing immediate aid such as food and water, as well as sustained relief such as housing and monetary assistance to its more than 400 employees under Converge, MetroWorks, and third party contractors.  Converge extended its employee assistance to all functions, from sales and marketing to field staff and technical workers. 

As of January 6, Converge has housed 16 employees (mostly technical and field personnel) and their families in a dormitory in J Center Mall in Cebu, and has prepared 400 relief packs containing noodles, rice, water, and canned goods. 

In terms of monetary aid, Converge has raised more than P 100,000 from Luzon-based employees.

Scouting for temporary housing in Surigao, deploying Wifi hubs for employees and the public, quicker distribution of relief packs, and fast-tracking fuel delivery to affected areas are among the other initiatives ongoing. A Converge employee donation drive to create 1,000 relief packs intended for the severely affected communities is also underway.