SlideShare ist ein Scribd-Unternehmen logo
1 von 5
Downloaden Sie, um offline zu lesen
Charitable Groups Mobilize, Appeal for Donations for “Pablo” Typhoon
Victims
By Dionesio C. Grava, Deputy Managing Editor




                                                                           Philippine
Ambassador to Washington, D.C. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said that individuals and
organizations in the US who would like to assist in the relief assistance can send their
cash donations to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
(www.ndrrmc.gov.ph); the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(www.dswd.gov.ph); and the Philippine National Red Cross (www.redcross.org.ph).
Her name was Aimee, a 7-year-old daughter of an overseas Filipino worker who had endured
some 24 hours half-submerged in muddy water but died soon after being rescued. She had
become the poster girl of the pain and devastation brought by Pablo, the worst typhoon that hit
the Philippines this year.

In a country where early Christmas cheers would have been the norm at this time of year,
tragedy struck with such a devastating swath it left in its wake so much suffering and damage.
The grim reaper has a bountiful harvest with more than 500 bodies recovered so far.

Blown in the wind; deaths in flash floods. That’s how one newspaper characterized the Category
5 storm that moved swiftly in its predicted path, sending roofs flying off houses, hectares of
coconut trees tumbling, rivers bursting their banks, canceling flights and ferry services, church
bells ringing and sirens wailing especially in some parts of Mindanao in the early hours of
December 4.

The predicted path included Bohol, Biliran, Camotes Island, Southern Leyte, Leyte,

Eastern Samar, and Western Samar in the Visayas. Provinces in Mindanao that were placed
under the storm signal warning were Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte including Surigao
Island, Dinagat Is., Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte inc.
Samal Is., Compostela Valley, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin.
The death and destruction
In the aftermath of the storm’s landfall folks in the remote mining and farming town of Bataan,
Compostela Valley, were shocked to find that the terrain had drastically changed.

A report said that what used to be a field of coconut trees and wooden houses had turned into a
gushing river as wide as the Edsa highway belt of Metro Manila flanked by rocks and boulders
that had tumbled down the mountain.

The estimated cost of damage to property, agriculture and infrastructure may soar to P5 billion
or more. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported
that more than 5.1 million people (or 1,033,364 families) have been affected adversely in 1,862
barangays (villages) in 26 provinces throughout regions 4B, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, and CARAGA. At
least 211,000 people taking refuge at crowded government-run shelters, another report said.

Rescue officials said Mindanao’s east coast accounted for all but 40 of the 546 known deaths
from Typhoon Pablo (Bopha). Other fatalities were reported in Palawan – 2, Capiz – 1, Central
Visayas –7, Eastern Visayas – 2, Zamboanga City – 1, Northern Mindanao – 11, and Caraga
Region – 11. Of the dead less than a hundred have so far been identified and more are missing.
Earlier it was reported that at the height of the storm 1,710 passengers, 227 rolling cargos, 79
vessels, and 15 motor bancas were stranded in various ports in the country.

Who to blame for the large number of casualties?
On Friday, December 7, President Noynoy Aquino III inspected the ravaged areas in Mindanao
accompanied by Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin,
Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Social Welfare
and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Environment
Secretary Ramon Paje, and Presidential Communications Development Secretary Ramon
Carandang. They first visited New Bataan and distributed relief packs and P10,000 to each
family taking shelter in an evacuation center.

“Your government will not stop until we ensure your lives improve and prevent this kind of
tragedy,” he was quoted in Pilipino promising the victims of the tragedy that the government
would hasten efforts to help them. He also expressed regret that so many casualties occur
every time there is a disaster. Why did the tragedy happen and how to prevent it from
happening again, he asked.

Why, indeed, were there so many casualties when there were early warnings from the
Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration? According to an
AP report, “The deaths came despite efforts by President Benigno Aquino III’s government to
force residents out of high-risk communities as the typhoon approached. Vice President Jejomar
Binay directed local executives, police and military officials not to allow those displaced to return
to their homes in areas classified as danger zones. However, it wasn’t clear how quickly and
where substitute homes would be built.”

Outpouring of love and aid
Pope Benedict XVI, in a message relayed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio
Bertone through the Papal nuncio in the Philippines, Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, Thursday
expressed his solidarity with the Filipino victims of the tragedy.

United Kingdom Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire extended on behalf of the British
government his deep sympathies to the families of the casualties and to those in evacuation
shelters in many parts of Mindanao.

Meanwhile, it was reported on December 8 that hungry and homeless typhoon survivors in the
towns of Maparat and Cateel looted shops and warehouses in search of food. Four days after
the calamity struck, officials still struggled to bring in food and relief convoys through roads that
had been blocked or swept away by floods and avalanches of rock, logs and mud. Officials said
damage to roads and bridges by floods and landslides trapped 150,000 people for three days in
Cateel and the nearby towns of Baganga and Boston, where they said 97 percent of buildings
were flattened or unroofed.

About 4,000 residents in the destroyed farming village of Maparat were left to eating fallen
coconut fruits, said an AFP report. It said the survivors were sleeping 80 to a room on the bare
concrete floor of the local elementary school, sharing the toilet’s two stalls and are doing their
washing and bathing at a nearby spring, which is also their only source of water. In dire
situations like these it is apparent that people affected need more than messages of solidarity or
sympathies.

In a press release the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., expressed its appreciation to
the United States for its prompt response in support of disaster relief efforts in typhoon-ravaged
areas in Mindanao. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. announced that

Washington would be releasing $100,000 to the Catholic Relief Services to help victims of
Typhoon Pablo (international name Bopha).

Reports also said the US Agency for International Development (USAID) will be sending
assessment teams to typhoon-affected areas to determine where the assistance is most
needed. Ambassador Cuisia said that Washington has provided $11.7 million in humanitarian
assistance and over $4.1 million in disaster risk reduction activities to Manila since 2007.

Ambassador Cuisia said that individuals and organizations in the US who would

like to assist in the relief efforts can send their cash donations to the NDRRMC

(www.ndrrmc.gov.ph); the Department of Social Welfare and Development (www.dswd.gov.ph);
and the Philippine National Red Cross (www.redcross.org.ph).

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is reportedly
targeting 3.7 million euros to help the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) support families displaced
by the typhoon. The money will be used to provide immediate food and non- food relief items to
the victims and finance their recovery through providing water and sanitation systems, cash
grants to help restore livelihoods, and materials to rebuild homes.
The Inquirer reported that cash and relief goods for the victims had poured in from foreign
donors. Canada announced that it was giving P10 million (Cad$ 250,000) through the
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to the International Federation of Red
Cross and Red Crescent societies to address the emergency needs of the people affected by
the storm.

In addition, a United Nations disaster and assessment team, which includes a Canadian
delegate whose deployment is funded through an ongoing CIDA project, has been deployed to
provide direct support with the rapid needs assessments.

Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr said that his government has offered

P210 million (A$5 million) in assistance to the Philippines for the conduct of relief operations.

ABS CBN Foundation International announced that it is currently accepting donations to assist
in rescue operations and providing aid to over 86,000 families that are now in evacuation
centers. Contributions can be made to “ABS CBN Foundation International (Typhoon Pablo)”
online at www.abscbnfoundation.org or via checks to 150 Shoreline Drive, Redwood City, CA
94065.

Yolanda O. Stern of One World Institute is seeking donations for a flood relief mission. She said
OWI “does not use 1 penny for administrative or delivery fees. So give where your contributions
land where you want it to. Donate at: www.theoneworldinstitute.org.”

Boxer-politician Manny Pacquiao, who was scheduled to fight against Mexican Juan Manuel
Marquez Saturday, has pledged support for the victims of the typhoon.

In Los Angeles, Maria Amor Torres of the Exoti Group of Companies has informed
PinoyWatchdog.com that the 3rd Annual Exotifit Christmas party will raise funds to be donated
to our countrymen who are in pain and desperation as a result of the worst typhoon that hit this
year. She posted this in her Facebook page.

Willo Lim, president of the Sto. Nino de Cebu Association of Southern California, also informed
that a donation box for the victims in Cateel, Davao, will be provided during the organization’s
Annual Christmas Dinner Dance on December 8, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Commerce
Casino, City of Commerce.

Songstress-entertainer Malou Toler sent in this email: “Yes, we are scheduling it for Dec. 27, I’m
gathering artists and Evelyn is working on the venue.” Ms. Toler, a familiar sight in fundraising
causes, is contacting artist friends to join in the humanitarian undertaking.

Civic and church leader Pex Aves also volunteered to make representation with Councilmember
Elito Santarina of the City of Carson to initiate a fundraising towards this end.

‘Pablo’ updates
Amid a shortage of coffins in the calamity area, the Pampanga provincial government under the
leadership of Governor Lilia G. Pineda had asked the Pampanga Mayors’ League (PML) to help
in the preparation of at least 500 coffins for delivery to the typhoon-stricken areas in Mindanao

A December 7 press release from the Dept. of Labor and Employment says that Secretary
Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz ordered the release of an initial P5.5-million funding for emergency
employment and livelihood of workers who were displaced by typhoon Pablo in Caraga Region
and Compostela Valley, particularly in the town of New Bataan.

In a briefing with the president held at the Davao International Airport, NDRRMC Executive
Director Benito Ramos said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has already sent
potable water to New Bataan, Compostela Valley. Albay is also giving water to the typhoon
victims. The Dept. of Social Welfare and Development will coordinate where to locate the water
supplies for easy access of the people, Secretary Dinky Soliman said.

Dept. of Health Secretary Enrique Ona informed that they have already distributed chlorine
tablets where there is no safe drinking water yet as well as medicines to affected areas. Ona
admitted there are some problems in distributing medicines because many devastated areas
are still inaccessible. The Dept. of Trade and Industry is also doing price monitoring in
coordination with the Philippine National Police to prevent traders from jacking up their prices.
The government is also spearheading a “Diskuwento Caravan” to provide the people with
affordable basic necessities.

Weitere ähnliche Inhalte

Was ist angesagt?

Pakistan Floods 2010
Pakistan Floods 2010Pakistan Floods 2010
Pakistan Floods 2010expgap
 
Gifts of Hope Catalog - Christmas 2013
Gifts of Hope Catalog - Christmas 2013Gifts of Hope Catalog - Christmas 2013
Gifts of Hope Catalog - Christmas 2013World Help
 
REGIONAL KILLER BOYDEN GRAY'S 2017 EUGENIC FUNDING, NEWLY CONCOCTED MEDIICA...
REGIONAL KILLER BOYDEN GRAY'S  2017 EUGENIC  FUNDING, NEWLY CONCOCTED MEDIICA...REGIONAL KILLER BOYDEN GRAY'S  2017 EUGENIC  FUNDING, NEWLY CONCOCTED MEDIICA...
REGIONAL KILLER BOYDEN GRAY'S 2017 EUGENIC FUNDING, NEWLY CONCOCTED MEDIICA...Prayer Warriors Institute
 
Houston Chronicle Houston philanthropist hopes to make headway in crisis stri...
Houston Chronicle Houston philanthropist hopes to make headway in crisis stri...Houston Chronicle Houston philanthropist hopes to make headway in crisis stri...
Houston Chronicle Houston philanthropist hopes to make headway in crisis stri...Cristal Montañéz
 
Haiti Presentation
Haiti PresentationHaiti Presentation
Haiti Presentationkjhorn
 
Project Punta Gorda
Project Punta GordaProject Punta Gorda
Project Punta Gordawmibelize
 
Spring 2005 Minnesota Plant Press
Spring 2005 Minnesota Plant PressSpring 2005 Minnesota Plant Press
Spring 2005 Minnesota Plant PressZxc197z
 
Family-to-Family
Family-to-FamilyFamily-to-Family
Family-to-FamilyGoodzuma
 
World Help's Gifts of Hope Catalog Spring 2014
World Help's Gifts of Hope Catalog Spring 2014World Help's Gifts of Hope Catalog Spring 2014
World Help's Gifts of Hope Catalog Spring 2014World Help
 
Katrina
KatrinaKatrina
KatrinaLCINAA
 
Katrina(2)
Katrina(2)Katrina(2)
Katrina(2)sacooke2
 

Was ist angesagt? (17)

2011 july 8 this week in mc&fp
2011 july 8  this week in mc&fp2011 july 8  this week in mc&fp
2011 july 8 this week in mc&fp
 
Pakistan Floods 2010
Pakistan Floods 2010Pakistan Floods 2010
Pakistan Floods 2010
 
Gifts of Hope Catalog - Christmas 2013
Gifts of Hope Catalog - Christmas 2013Gifts of Hope Catalog - Christmas 2013
Gifts of Hope Catalog - Christmas 2013
 
REGIONAL KILLER BOYDEN GRAY'S 2017 EUGENIC FUNDING, NEWLY CONCOCTED MEDIICA...
REGIONAL KILLER BOYDEN GRAY'S  2017 EUGENIC  FUNDING, NEWLY CONCOCTED MEDIICA...REGIONAL KILLER BOYDEN GRAY'S  2017 EUGENIC  FUNDING, NEWLY CONCOCTED MEDIICA...
REGIONAL KILLER BOYDEN GRAY'S 2017 EUGENIC FUNDING, NEWLY CONCOCTED MEDIICA...
 
Houston Chronicle Houston philanthropist hopes to make headway in crisis stri...
Houston Chronicle Houston philanthropist hopes to make headway in crisis stri...Houston Chronicle Houston philanthropist hopes to make headway in crisis stri...
Houston Chronicle Houston philanthropist hopes to make headway in crisis stri...
 
Veterans' update october 2011
Veterans' update   october 2011Veterans' update   october 2011
Veterans' update october 2011
 
Haiti Presentation
Haiti PresentationHaiti Presentation
Haiti Presentation
 
Project Punta Gorda
Project Punta GordaProject Punta Gorda
Project Punta Gorda
 
Spring 2005 Minnesota Plant Press
Spring 2005 Minnesota Plant PressSpring 2005 Minnesota Plant Press
Spring 2005 Minnesota Plant Press
 
Childhelp
ChildhelpChildhelp
Childhelp
 
Family-to-Family
Family-to-FamilyFamily-to-Family
Family-to-Family
 
World Help's Gifts of Hope Catalog Spring 2014
World Help's Gifts of Hope Catalog Spring 2014World Help's Gifts of Hope Catalog Spring 2014
World Help's Gifts of Hope Catalog Spring 2014
 
Katrina
KatrinaKatrina
Katrina
 
Katrina
KatrinaKatrina
Katrina
 
Katrina(2)
Katrina(2)Katrina(2)
Katrina(2)
 
NEWSPAPER PROPS.pdf
NEWSPAPER PROPS.pdfNEWSPAPER PROPS.pdf
NEWSPAPER PROPS.pdf
 
Shelterbox newsletter december 2012
Shelterbox newsletter december 2012Shelterbox newsletter december 2012
Shelterbox newsletter december 2012
 

Ähnlich wie PinoyWatchDog Joel Bander Law Charitable groups mobilize

Haiti Earthquake 12 January 2010
Haiti Earthquake 12 January 2010Haiti Earthquake 12 January 2010
Haiti Earthquake 12 January 2010kevinrchapman
 
Another catastrophic earthquake in haiti tropical grace
   Another catastrophic earthquake in haiti tropical grace    Another catastrophic earthquake in haiti tropical grace
Another catastrophic earthquake in haiti tropical grace Nancytaban
 
THEOLOGY SOCIAL JUSTICE - TYPHOON ULYSSES
THEOLOGY SOCIAL JUSTICE - TYPHOON ULYSSESTHEOLOGY SOCIAL JUSTICE - TYPHOON ULYSSES
THEOLOGY SOCIAL JUSTICE - TYPHOON ULYSSESLouis Malaybalay
 
Why the World Must help Pakistan (PDF)
Why the World Must help Pakistan (PDF)Why the World Must help Pakistan (PDF)
Why the World Must help Pakistan (PDF)Nubia **
 
Why the world should help Pakistan
Why the world should help PakistanWhy the world should help Pakistan
Why the world should help PakistanAfzal Rahim
 
The Efficiency of Foreign Aid Transparency Hub in the Aftermath of Natural Di...
The Efficiency of Foreign Aid Transparency Hub in the Aftermath of Natural Di...The Efficiency of Foreign Aid Transparency Hub in the Aftermath of Natural Di...
The Efficiency of Foreign Aid Transparency Hub in the Aftermath of Natural Di...inventionjournals
 
HURRICANE MATHIEU: UN FLASH APPEAL $120 MILLION FOR HAITI
HURRICANE MATHIEU: UN FLASH APPEAL $120 MILLION FOR HAITIHURRICANE MATHIEU: UN FLASH APPEAL $120 MILLION FOR HAITI
HURRICANE MATHIEU: UN FLASH APPEAL $120 MILLION FOR HAITIStanleylucas
 
UN Office of Coordinatio of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) Philippines Haiyan Re...
UN Office of Coordinatio of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) Philippines Haiyan Re...UN Office of Coordinatio of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) Philippines Haiyan Re...
UN Office of Coordinatio of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) Philippines Haiyan Re...Prworks VisMin
 
The Weaknesses Of Hurricane Katrina
The Weaknesses Of Hurricane KatrinaThe Weaknesses Of Hurricane Katrina
The Weaknesses Of Hurricane KatrinaDanielle Richardson
 
GRP4 Case Presentation DR3.pdf
GRP4 Case Presentation DR3.pdfGRP4 Case Presentation DR3.pdf
GRP4 Case Presentation DR3.pdfaserethofstorm
 
Merchandise Store History
Merchandise Store HistoryMerchandise Store History
Merchandise Store HistoryNavy Savchenko
 
Responsible DEvelopment for Ma-a Shrine Hills of Davao City, Philppines
Responsible DEvelopment for Ma-a Shrine Hills of Davao City, PhilppinesResponsible DEvelopment for Ma-a Shrine Hills of Davao City, Philppines
Responsible DEvelopment for Ma-a Shrine Hills of Davao City, PhilppinesMariaLinda
 
The brazil floods.ppt sarah geog project
The brazil floods.ppt sarah geog projectThe brazil floods.ppt sarah geog project
The brazil floods.ppt sarah geog projectsarah9090
 
The brazil floods 2011 9090
The brazil floods 2011 9090The brazil floods 2011 9090
The brazil floods 2011 9090sarah9090
 

Ähnlich wie PinoyWatchDog Joel Bander Law Charitable groups mobilize (20)

Soh story
Soh storySoh story
Soh story
 
Haiti Earthquake 12 January 2010
Haiti Earthquake 12 January 2010Haiti Earthquake 12 January 2010
Haiti Earthquake 12 January 2010
 
Another catastrophic earthquake in haiti tropical grace
   Another catastrophic earthquake in haiti tropical grace    Another catastrophic earthquake in haiti tropical grace
Another catastrophic earthquake in haiti tropical grace
 
THEOLOGY SOCIAL JUSTICE - TYPHOON ULYSSES
THEOLOGY SOCIAL JUSTICE - TYPHOON ULYSSESTHEOLOGY SOCIAL JUSTICE - TYPHOON ULYSSES
THEOLOGY SOCIAL JUSTICE - TYPHOON ULYSSES
 
Why the World Must help Pakistan (PDF)
Why the World Must help Pakistan (PDF)Why the World Must help Pakistan (PDF)
Why the World Must help Pakistan (PDF)
 
Why the world should help Pakistan
Why the world should help PakistanWhy the world should help Pakistan
Why the world should help Pakistan
 
The Efficiency of Foreign Aid Transparency Hub in the Aftermath of Natural Di...
The Efficiency of Foreign Aid Transparency Hub in the Aftermath of Natural Di...The Efficiency of Foreign Aid Transparency Hub in the Aftermath of Natural Di...
The Efficiency of Foreign Aid Transparency Hub in the Aftermath of Natural Di...
 
HURRICANE MATHIEU: UN FLASH APPEAL $120 MILLION FOR HAITI
HURRICANE MATHIEU: UN FLASH APPEAL $120 MILLION FOR HAITIHURRICANE MATHIEU: UN FLASH APPEAL $120 MILLION FOR HAITI
HURRICANE MATHIEU: UN FLASH APPEAL $120 MILLION FOR HAITI
 
News Updated By Unicef Usa For Haiti
News Updated By Unicef Usa For HaitiNews Updated By Unicef Usa For Haiti
News Updated By Unicef Usa For Haiti
 
UN Office of Coordinatio of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) Philippines Haiyan Re...
UN Office of Coordinatio of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) Philippines Haiyan Re...UN Office of Coordinatio of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) Philippines Haiyan Re...
UN Office of Coordinatio of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) Philippines Haiyan Re...
 
About Typhoon Yolanda.docx
About  Typhoon Yolanda.docxAbout  Typhoon Yolanda.docx
About Typhoon Yolanda.docx
 
The Weaknesses Of Hurricane Katrina
The Weaknesses Of Hurricane KatrinaThe Weaknesses Of Hurricane Katrina
The Weaknesses Of Hurricane Katrina
 
GRP4 Case Presentation DR3.pdf
GRP4 Case Presentation DR3.pdfGRP4 Case Presentation DR3.pdf
GRP4 Case Presentation DR3.pdf
 
Essays About Natural Disasters
Essays About Natural DisastersEssays About Natural Disasters
Essays About Natural Disasters
 
Merchandise Store History
Merchandise Store HistoryMerchandise Store History
Merchandise Store History
 
Responsible DEvelopment for Ma-a Shrine Hills of Davao City, Philppines
Responsible DEvelopment for Ma-a Shrine Hills of Davao City, PhilppinesResponsible DEvelopment for Ma-a Shrine Hills of Davao City, Philppines
Responsible DEvelopment for Ma-a Shrine Hills of Davao City, Philppines
 
Caribbean hurricane irma report
Caribbean hurricane irma reportCaribbean hurricane irma report
Caribbean hurricane irma report
 
Visayan Business Post Issue 1
Visayan Business Post Issue 1Visayan Business Post Issue 1
Visayan Business Post Issue 1
 
The brazil floods.ppt sarah geog project
The brazil floods.ppt sarah geog projectThe brazil floods.ppt sarah geog project
The brazil floods.ppt sarah geog project
 
The brazil floods 2011 9090
The brazil floods 2011 9090The brazil floods 2011 9090
The brazil floods 2011 9090
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen

Green Aesthetic Ripped Paper Thesis Defense Presentation_20240311_111012_0000...
Green Aesthetic Ripped Paper Thesis Defense Presentation_20240311_111012_0000...Green Aesthetic Ripped Paper Thesis Defense Presentation_20240311_111012_0000...
Green Aesthetic Ripped Paper Thesis Defense Presentation_20240311_111012_0000...virgfern3011
 
Another Day, Another Default Judgment Against Gabe Whitley
Another Day, Another Default Judgment Against Gabe WhitleyAnother Day, Another Default Judgment Against Gabe Whitley
Another Day, Another Default Judgment Against Gabe WhitleyAbdul-Hakim Shabazz
 
One India vs United India by Dream Tamilnadu
One India vs United India by Dream TamilnaduOne India vs United India by Dream Tamilnadu
One India vs United India by Dream TamilnaduDreamTamilnadu
 
EED - Profits uncontained. An analysis of container shipping ETS surcharges
EED - Profits uncontained. An analysis of container shipping ETS surchargesEED - Profits uncontained. An analysis of container shipping ETS surcharges
EED - Profits uncontained. An analysis of container shipping ETS surchargesEl Estrecho Digital
 
Light Rail in Canberra: Too much, too little, too late: Is the price worth th...
Light Rail in Canberra: Too much, too little, too late: Is the price worth th...Light Rail in Canberra: Too much, too little, too late: Is the price worth th...
Light Rail in Canberra: Too much, too little, too late: Is the price worth th...University of Canberra
 
Anantkumar Hegde
Anantkumar Hegde  Anantkumar Hegde
Anantkumar Hegde NewsFeed1
 
Right to Privacy Case Studies PDF …………..
Right to Privacy Case Studies PDF …………..Right to Privacy Case Studies PDF …………..
Right to Privacy Case Studies PDF …………..mathiasanna557
 
Por estos dos motivos, defensa de JOH solicita repetir juicio
Por estos dos motivos, defensa de JOH solicita repetir juicioPor estos dos motivos, defensa de JOH solicita repetir juicio
Por estos dos motivos, defensa de JOH solicita repetir juicioAlexisTorres963861
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen (8)

Green Aesthetic Ripped Paper Thesis Defense Presentation_20240311_111012_0000...
Green Aesthetic Ripped Paper Thesis Defense Presentation_20240311_111012_0000...Green Aesthetic Ripped Paper Thesis Defense Presentation_20240311_111012_0000...
Green Aesthetic Ripped Paper Thesis Defense Presentation_20240311_111012_0000...
 
Another Day, Another Default Judgment Against Gabe Whitley
Another Day, Another Default Judgment Against Gabe WhitleyAnother Day, Another Default Judgment Against Gabe Whitley
Another Day, Another Default Judgment Against Gabe Whitley
 
One India vs United India by Dream Tamilnadu
One India vs United India by Dream TamilnaduOne India vs United India by Dream Tamilnadu
One India vs United India by Dream Tamilnadu
 
EED - Profits uncontained. An analysis of container shipping ETS surcharges
EED - Profits uncontained. An analysis of container shipping ETS surchargesEED - Profits uncontained. An analysis of container shipping ETS surcharges
EED - Profits uncontained. An analysis of container shipping ETS surcharges
 
Light Rail in Canberra: Too much, too little, too late: Is the price worth th...
Light Rail in Canberra: Too much, too little, too late: Is the price worth th...Light Rail in Canberra: Too much, too little, too late: Is the price worth th...
Light Rail in Canberra: Too much, too little, too late: Is the price worth th...
 
Anantkumar Hegde
Anantkumar Hegde  Anantkumar Hegde
Anantkumar Hegde
 
Right to Privacy Case Studies PDF …………..
Right to Privacy Case Studies PDF …………..Right to Privacy Case Studies PDF …………..
Right to Privacy Case Studies PDF …………..
 
Por estos dos motivos, defensa de JOH solicita repetir juicio
Por estos dos motivos, defensa de JOH solicita repetir juicioPor estos dos motivos, defensa de JOH solicita repetir juicio
Por estos dos motivos, defensa de JOH solicita repetir juicio
 

PinoyWatchDog Joel Bander Law Charitable groups mobilize

  • 1. Charitable Groups Mobilize, Appeal for Donations for “Pablo” Typhoon Victims By Dionesio C. Grava, Deputy Managing Editor Philippine Ambassador to Washington, D.C. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said that individuals and organizations in the US who would like to assist in the relief assistance can send their cash donations to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (www.ndrrmc.gov.ph); the Department of Social Welfare and Development (www.dswd.gov.ph); and the Philippine National Red Cross (www.redcross.org.ph). Her name was Aimee, a 7-year-old daughter of an overseas Filipino worker who had endured some 24 hours half-submerged in muddy water but died soon after being rescued. She had become the poster girl of the pain and devastation brought by Pablo, the worst typhoon that hit the Philippines this year. In a country where early Christmas cheers would have been the norm at this time of year, tragedy struck with such a devastating swath it left in its wake so much suffering and damage. The grim reaper has a bountiful harvest with more than 500 bodies recovered so far. Blown in the wind; deaths in flash floods. That’s how one newspaper characterized the Category 5 storm that moved swiftly in its predicted path, sending roofs flying off houses, hectares of coconut trees tumbling, rivers bursting their banks, canceling flights and ferry services, church bells ringing and sirens wailing especially in some parts of Mindanao in the early hours of December 4. The predicted path included Bohol, Biliran, Camotes Island, Southern Leyte, Leyte, Eastern Samar, and Western Samar in the Visayas. Provinces in Mindanao that were placed under the storm signal warning were Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte including Surigao Island, Dinagat Is., Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte inc. Samal Is., Compostela Valley, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin.
  • 2. The death and destruction In the aftermath of the storm’s landfall folks in the remote mining and farming town of Bataan, Compostela Valley, were shocked to find that the terrain had drastically changed. A report said that what used to be a field of coconut trees and wooden houses had turned into a gushing river as wide as the Edsa highway belt of Metro Manila flanked by rocks and boulders that had tumbled down the mountain. The estimated cost of damage to property, agriculture and infrastructure may soar to P5 billion or more. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that more than 5.1 million people (or 1,033,364 families) have been affected adversely in 1,862 barangays (villages) in 26 provinces throughout regions 4B, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, and CARAGA. At least 211,000 people taking refuge at crowded government-run shelters, another report said. Rescue officials said Mindanao’s east coast accounted for all but 40 of the 546 known deaths from Typhoon Pablo (Bopha). Other fatalities were reported in Palawan – 2, Capiz – 1, Central Visayas –7, Eastern Visayas – 2, Zamboanga City – 1, Northern Mindanao – 11, and Caraga Region – 11. Of the dead less than a hundred have so far been identified and more are missing. Earlier it was reported that at the height of the storm 1,710 passengers, 227 rolling cargos, 79 vessels, and 15 motor bancas were stranded in various ports in the country. Who to blame for the large number of casualties? On Friday, December 7, President Noynoy Aquino III inspected the ravaged areas in Mindanao accompanied by Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, and Presidential Communications Development Secretary Ramon Carandang. They first visited New Bataan and distributed relief packs and P10,000 to each family taking shelter in an evacuation center. “Your government will not stop until we ensure your lives improve and prevent this kind of tragedy,” he was quoted in Pilipino promising the victims of the tragedy that the government would hasten efforts to help them. He also expressed regret that so many casualties occur every time there is a disaster. Why did the tragedy happen and how to prevent it from happening again, he asked. Why, indeed, were there so many casualties when there were early warnings from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration? According to an AP report, “The deaths came despite efforts by President Benigno Aquino III’s government to force residents out of high-risk communities as the typhoon approached. Vice President Jejomar Binay directed local executives, police and military officials not to allow those displaced to return to their homes in areas classified as danger zones. However, it wasn’t clear how quickly and where substitute homes would be built.” Outpouring of love and aid
  • 3. Pope Benedict XVI, in a message relayed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone through the Papal nuncio in the Philippines, Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, Thursday expressed his solidarity with the Filipino victims of the tragedy. United Kingdom Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire extended on behalf of the British government his deep sympathies to the families of the casualties and to those in evacuation shelters in many parts of Mindanao. Meanwhile, it was reported on December 8 that hungry and homeless typhoon survivors in the towns of Maparat and Cateel looted shops and warehouses in search of food. Four days after the calamity struck, officials still struggled to bring in food and relief convoys through roads that had been blocked or swept away by floods and avalanches of rock, logs and mud. Officials said damage to roads and bridges by floods and landslides trapped 150,000 people for three days in Cateel and the nearby towns of Baganga and Boston, where they said 97 percent of buildings were flattened or unroofed. About 4,000 residents in the destroyed farming village of Maparat were left to eating fallen coconut fruits, said an AFP report. It said the survivors were sleeping 80 to a room on the bare concrete floor of the local elementary school, sharing the toilet’s two stalls and are doing their washing and bathing at a nearby spring, which is also their only source of water. In dire situations like these it is apparent that people affected need more than messages of solidarity or sympathies. In a press release the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., expressed its appreciation to the United States for its prompt response in support of disaster relief efforts in typhoon-ravaged areas in Mindanao. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. announced that Washington would be releasing $100,000 to the Catholic Relief Services to help victims of Typhoon Pablo (international name Bopha). Reports also said the US Agency for International Development (USAID) will be sending assessment teams to typhoon-affected areas to determine where the assistance is most needed. Ambassador Cuisia said that Washington has provided $11.7 million in humanitarian assistance and over $4.1 million in disaster risk reduction activities to Manila since 2007. Ambassador Cuisia said that individuals and organizations in the US who would like to assist in the relief efforts can send their cash donations to the NDRRMC (www.ndrrmc.gov.ph); the Department of Social Welfare and Development (www.dswd.gov.ph); and the Philippine National Red Cross (www.redcross.org.ph). The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is reportedly targeting 3.7 million euros to help the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) support families displaced by the typhoon. The money will be used to provide immediate food and non- food relief items to the victims and finance their recovery through providing water and sanitation systems, cash grants to help restore livelihoods, and materials to rebuild homes.
  • 4. The Inquirer reported that cash and relief goods for the victims had poured in from foreign donors. Canada announced that it was giving P10 million (Cad$ 250,000) through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to address the emergency needs of the people affected by the storm. In addition, a United Nations disaster and assessment team, which includes a Canadian delegate whose deployment is funded through an ongoing CIDA project, has been deployed to provide direct support with the rapid needs assessments. Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr said that his government has offered P210 million (A$5 million) in assistance to the Philippines for the conduct of relief operations. ABS CBN Foundation International announced that it is currently accepting donations to assist in rescue operations and providing aid to over 86,000 families that are now in evacuation centers. Contributions can be made to “ABS CBN Foundation International (Typhoon Pablo)” online at www.abscbnfoundation.org or via checks to 150 Shoreline Drive, Redwood City, CA 94065. Yolanda O. Stern of One World Institute is seeking donations for a flood relief mission. She said OWI “does not use 1 penny for administrative or delivery fees. So give where your contributions land where you want it to. Donate at: www.theoneworldinstitute.org.” Boxer-politician Manny Pacquiao, who was scheduled to fight against Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez Saturday, has pledged support for the victims of the typhoon. In Los Angeles, Maria Amor Torres of the Exoti Group of Companies has informed PinoyWatchdog.com that the 3rd Annual Exotifit Christmas party will raise funds to be donated to our countrymen who are in pain and desperation as a result of the worst typhoon that hit this year. She posted this in her Facebook page. Willo Lim, president of the Sto. Nino de Cebu Association of Southern California, also informed that a donation box for the victims in Cateel, Davao, will be provided during the organization’s Annual Christmas Dinner Dance on December 8, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Commerce Casino, City of Commerce. Songstress-entertainer Malou Toler sent in this email: “Yes, we are scheduling it for Dec. 27, I’m gathering artists and Evelyn is working on the venue.” Ms. Toler, a familiar sight in fundraising causes, is contacting artist friends to join in the humanitarian undertaking. Civic and church leader Pex Aves also volunteered to make representation with Councilmember Elito Santarina of the City of Carson to initiate a fundraising towards this end. ‘Pablo’ updates
  • 5. Amid a shortage of coffins in the calamity area, the Pampanga provincial government under the leadership of Governor Lilia G. Pineda had asked the Pampanga Mayors’ League (PML) to help in the preparation of at least 500 coffins for delivery to the typhoon-stricken areas in Mindanao A December 7 press release from the Dept. of Labor and Employment says that Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz ordered the release of an initial P5.5-million funding for emergency employment and livelihood of workers who were displaced by typhoon Pablo in Caraga Region and Compostela Valley, particularly in the town of New Bataan. In a briefing with the president held at the Davao International Airport, NDRRMC Executive Director Benito Ramos said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has already sent potable water to New Bataan, Compostela Valley. Albay is also giving water to the typhoon victims. The Dept. of Social Welfare and Development will coordinate where to locate the water supplies for easy access of the people, Secretary Dinky Soliman said. Dept. of Health Secretary Enrique Ona informed that they have already distributed chlorine tablets where there is no safe drinking water yet as well as medicines to affected areas. Ona admitted there are some problems in distributing medicines because many devastated areas are still inaccessible. The Dept. of Trade and Industry is also doing price monitoring in coordination with the Philippine National Police to prevent traders from jacking up their prices. The government is also spearheading a “Diskuwento Caravan” to provide the people with affordable basic necessities.