Dubai: The Filipino Community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (Filcom-DNE) is organising a fund-raising campaign to help victims of Typhoon Nesat in the Philippines.
Typhoon Nesat, which left at least 23 people dead and dozens missing in its wake, passed Philippines territory yesterday afternoon.
"Filcom-DNE has discussed and received Consul General Benito Valeriano's advice to secure a permit from Red Crescent before initiating a fund-raising campaign for the victims of Typhoon Nesat," Matilyn Bagunu, Filcom-DNE's vice-president, said in a statement.
Wafa Kasimieh of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai is currently securing approvals from the Dubai government for the necessary permits.
Bagunu said that Filcom-DNE won't be accepting relief material in kind in light of logistical issues encountered during relief operations held after Typhoon Ondoy.
Ginalyn Tipase, 29, is among members of nearly 2,000 families who have taken refuge in one of the four evacuation centres in Baseco, Manila. "At around 7am, the waves were already hitting the seawall. One rose so high that we had no time to pack our things. I brought my three kids to the evacuation centre. When I came back, our whole house was already gone," Tipase told Gulf News in a phone interview.
Volunteers' appeal
Volunteers of Gawad Kalinga, a non-government organisation currently assisting the evacuees in Baseco, said they are in need of food, water, clothes and blankets.
Those wanting to join the relief effort can contact the Philippine Red Crescent, GMA Network, ABS-CBN Channel 2.
Filcom-DNE will announce proper donation channels once necessary permits have been secured.
