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By Jennie L. Ilustre
As an outpouring of assistance streamed from a stunned world, the Filipino American community in the area issued a list of organizations where people can send donations for the survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan. It has also mobilized organizations to help in the relief efforts.
“A whole town was wiped out, and survivors urgently need our help. The best way to help is to send money,” Philippine American Foundation for Charities (PAFC) PR Director Maurese O. Owens told community members. PAFC issued a list of organizations “that are receiving donations to assist victims in the Philippines.”
Haiyan slammed into the Philippines on November 8, whipping winds at nearly 200 miles per hour, killing thousands and destroying a whole town, with the death toll estimated to reach 10,000. By comparison, local media reported Hurricane Katrina generated winds of 80 miles per hour.
In the nation’s capital, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. expressed gratitude “for the outpouring of support” from across the US and across the globe.
PAFC, Washington Post List
The PAFC list follows: Asia American Initiative (AAI): www.asiaamerica.org/donate; PAFC: www.pafc-dc.org/donate.php; Feed the Hungry (FtH): www.feedthehungryphil.org; National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) www.naffaa-national.org; ANCOP: www.donatedisasterrelief-ausa.org; and Gawad Kalinga: www.gk-usa.org
PAFC also noted the list published by the Washington Post, as follows: American Red Cross: www.redcross.org; Toll-free Tel 1(800) RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767; CARE International: www.care.org, Tel 1(800) 422-7385; Catholic Relief Services: www.crs.org, Tel 877-435-7277; Christian Aid: www.christianaid.org; 434-977-5650; Lutheran World Relief: www.lwr.org, 1(800) 597-5972; Oxfam: www.oxfam.org 800-77-OXFAM (800-776-9326); Save the Children: www.savethechildren.org, 800-728-3843; UNICEF: www.unicefusa.org, 800-FOR-KIDS (800-367-5437); World Food Program USA: www.wfpusa.org, 202-747-0722; and World Vision: www.worldvision.org, 888-51-6548.
Asia America Initiative
Direct Relief International collaborated with its partner, Asia America Initiative (AAI), in the delivery of $600,000 worth of medical supplies and medicines, including antibiotics, pain relievers, nutritional supplements, and anti-fungal medications. Ambassador Cuisia helped to expedite the entry of the donations.
In an interview on November 13, Bing Cardenas Branigin said she has coordinated efforts to raise “probably over $40,000 for typhoon assistance in funds and in-kind donations,” as board member of the Asia America Initiative. The AA Initiative is a humanitarian organization based here and led by Al Santoli.
Among the Filipino American leaders who have organized on-going fundraising events are: Ed Tiong, coordinator of the Filipino Ministry of Northern Virginia; Naomi V. Estaris in nearby Norfolk, Virginia; PAFC Chair Ador Carreon, Paskong Pinoy; Maurese Owens and Julian Oteyza, Karaoke Night at the American Legion, Virginia; and officers of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations.
World’s Worst Typhoon
Haiyan was the world’s worst typhoon, with survivors telling reporters, “It felt like the end of the world.”
At press time, the United Nations reported nearly 5,000 dead and other sources say over 9 million people, including 1.7 million children, have been affected by the typhoon, named Yolanda in the Philippines.
Retired US Air Force Maj. Jesse Baltazar, a Bataan Death March survivor, thanked President Barack Obama for his prompt assistance and his commitment for additional aid. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Filipino people,” Baltazar quoted Obama as saying at the annual Breakfast with Veterans.
Pope Francis urged assistance and prayers for the Philippines, the only Catholic nation in Southeast Asia. Local churches held masses and offered prayers.
Anne Wilderman, a Filipino American community advocate, was touched by the generous flow of aid. “We’re very grateful,” she said. “I hope when we are no longer in the news that the support and help will still continue–because the process of recovery and rebuilding will take a long, long time.”
