Maybank, has contributed RM1,000,000 to the Philippine Red Cross in aid of relief efforts for the victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan. The Group operates in the Philippines via its subsidiary Maybank Philippines Inc. which has 69 branches.

Haiyan, which is one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded, has wrought severe destruction to Central Philippines, particularly on Samar Island and Leyte province. The donation will specifically be used to provide additional medicine, food and potable water supply in Tacloban City, which is reportedly most devastated and currently the focus of Red Cross’ relief efforts.

Maybank Chairman Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin said that the bank was deeply saddened by the suffering of the people of the Philippines as well as the devastation of property and livelihood. “Our sympathies and prayers are with the Government and people of the Philippines, as they go through the grief arising from this natural disaster. We hope that our contribution will bring urgent relief to those who require it most and help them rebuild their lives."

Meanwhile, Maybank Philippines President and CEO Herminio M. Famatigan, Jr. said, "We join hands with our countrymen in helping our brothers and sisters in the affected areas rebuild their lives and communities. Maybank Philippines is here to help."

Maybank Philippines has always been supporting the rehabilitation of its communities displaced by natural disasters. Through the Maybank Foundation, it has donated the Maybank Community Center at Xavier Ecoville in Cagayan de Oro, the resettlement community of families displaced by Typhoon Washi. It also partnered with ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya for the construction of Frances Elementary School in Calumpit, Bulacan, which was destroyed during the severe Habagat flooding last year. Maybank Philippines had also supported the rehabilitation efforts for victims of Typhoon Bopha.

In the wake of the donation to the Philippine Red Cross, Maybank Philippines has also announced that it will forego its Christmas Party celebration this year and instead donate Php1.0 million to relief efforts for Haiyan victims through ABS-CBN's Sagip Kamilya.

Maybank employees in the Philippines have also pledged their sick leave credits to aid colleagues and their families who have been affected by the disaster. Maybank has branch operations in Tacloban and Roxas, among the areas placed under state of calamity, as well as Tagbilaran, which was recently hit by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake.

Tan Sri Megat added that Maybank Group believed in the resilience and strength of the Filipino people and was committed to stand beside the nation as it recovers from this tragedy and begins to rebuild lives.