RIYADH, 10 Sept. — Filipino electrical engineers in the Central Region have also been stricken by the altruism virus spreading and infecting the hearts of Filipino expatriates in the Kingdom.

The Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers chapter in the region (IIEE-CRCSA) last weekend decided to throw its support for the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), becoming the fifth group in the Kingdom to do so.

“A seed money of SR500 has been allocated by the chapter for the PNRC,” said Edwin dela Luna, the chapter’s president.

Voluntary contributions would also be collected from members during the IIEE-CRCSA’s technical seminar on power system engineering on Sept. 20.

The common sentiment among the electrical engineers is that if they have given donations to Bantay Bata 163, to stranded or distress compatriots, and scholarship funds, there is no reason for the group not to provide financial support to the PNRC.

They noted that wherever there is a disaster or calamity, natural or man-made, in the Philippines, the PNRC is always one of the first and last to be there.

“The PNRC certainly deserve the support of OFWs,” said Rogelio B. Matias, chapter vice president for external affairs.

Ma’aden cup is full

Also last weekend, participants in the 3rd Ma’aden Cup Tennis Tournament decided to pass the hat around and collected about $100 for the Red Cross.

That makes the tournament’s organizers the first in the sports community in the Kingdom to to respond to the PNRC’s call for help.

“Whether it’s a one-riyal or a five-riyal contribution, it will go a long way. Nobody can count generosity,” said Olan dela Cruz, one of the more than 200 registered participants.

In her speech, invited guest speaker Carmelita Hidalgo, cultural attaché of the Philippine Embassy, commended the organizing committee for its initiative and dedication, and particularly Ma’aden or Saudi Arabia Mining Company, for its continued sponsorship of such sports event joined by Filipino expatriates from different companies in the central region.

“I hope that more employers would emulate Ma’aden’s example,” Hidalgo added.

The PNRC fund

In June, the PNRC wrote the Philippines Embassy to relay its request for donations from Filipino organizations and kind individuals, saying it was having difficulty getting support from its traditional sources.

Although the Red Cross is premier humanitarian organization in the Philippines, serving as an auxiliary arm of the government in providing relief, health and welfare aid to Filipinos in need, it is not subsidized by the government.

In a letter to the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, PNRC Secretary-General Lourdes R. Loyola said that while there is no end in sight to the calamities affecting millions of Filipinos at home, donations are coming few and far between.

“Our funding, which comes solely on public donation has become more and more difficult with the growing competition, economic crisis and donors’ fatigue,” Loyola said in a letter dated June 21 to Ambassador Rafael E. Seguis.

The PNRC has 86 chapters across the Philippine archipelago, providing service in terms of relief, blood, first aid and rescue, health and welfare. It had been serving an average of 15 million “vulnerable” people, including victims of fighting, typhoons, earthquakes, fire, drought, and accidents. It has also a regular program for disadvantaged women and street children.

Among those who have mobilized so far for the PNRC were the Al-Hekma International School in Jeddah, the Philippine School in Dammam (PSD), and the Nour Al-Maaref International School (NIS) in Riyadh in partnership with the Black Python Martial Arts Association.

Black Python teaches the fundamentals of self-defense to NIS students. In return, the participants, as well as their parents, will raise fund sfor the PNRC.

The program will be completed in three months.

After three Fridays, the students, parents, and teachers of NIS have so far raised close to a thousand riyals.

Teresita Usapdin, the PNRC’s acting director for fund generation, said organizations and individuals can also send their donations directly to the agency’s dollar savings account, No. 2-151-00218-2, Metro Bank and Trust Co., Anda Circle, Port Area Branch.

Individuals who send the minimum donation of $20 are entitled to a membership card and Red Cross pin.