Philippines mission seeks aid for typhoon victims

Dubai: Donations for Filipino typhoon victims should be funnelled to the country's national disaster council or Red Cross Society, advised the Philippine Consulate General, adding people could also donate supplies to community organisations.

The Philippine government yesterday sent a communiqué to diplomatic representatives worldwide, detailing where cash and cheque donations should be sent.

Typhoon Fengshen, which struck the Philippines on Saturday, killed at least 224 people, and left hundred others missing and communities flooded.

Flooding

Benito Valeriano, Philippine Consul General, told Gulf News there was a need for funds, describing the disaster as 'serious'.

"The Philippines is not unused to typhoons and flooding, but this is experienced in [more] parts of the country and all at the same time. South and Central Philippines, as well as Metro Manila are flooded," he said.

No Filipino from the UAE is believed to be directly affected by the disaster although the Consulate received a request for the casualty list from a Filipina, fearing her family might be on it. There was no further contact or requests for help.

Valeriano said aid should go to the National Disaster Coordinating Council and the National Red Cross, which are coordinating rescue and recovery efforts for typhoon victims. He also said anyone who preferred to donate funds or items, such as clothing, to Filipino community organisations were free to do so.

"People can send items to any association or agency that they feel can convey their help to the Philippines," he said.

Some Filipino organisations are arranging donation drives, with funds and items going to specific villages and communities.

Ebrahim Malacawan, president of the Bangsamoro Labour Organisation, told Gulf News the group was to meet last night to decide how to help their community in Southern Philippines, who were badly affected.

"Parts of my area are flooded. We received reports that the water is 1 to 1.5-metre deep in some areas," he said.

"We're sending clothes, money, maybe some medicines and tents, hopefully by this weekend," he added.

How to help

Go to:1) The Philippine National Disaster Coordinating Council website at www.ndcc.gov.ph

2) The Philippine National Red Cross at www.redcross.org.ph

Or call:

The Philippine Consulate General at (04)25 44 331