The Filipino community in the Kingdom will provide assistance to the victims of typhoon “Trami” (named in the Philippines as Maring) and the southwest monsoon that has hit the Philippines.
“Affected Filipinos back home are helpless following these calamities. Our fellowmen need us now, and we are willing to share what we can,” Fatima Quinto, a Filipino expatriate, told Arab News.
According to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom, they were in a state of shock when they saw the “insane water levels” in the Philippines via live telecasts and social media, especially in Metro Manila.
An OFW who hails from Cavite said his properties, including his prized family car, appliances and furniture, were damaged.
In light of the devastation caused by the typhoons in the Philippines, Filipinos in the Kingdom promised to help the victims as soon as possible. “Our family will take action as soon as we receive information on how to help our fellowmen in the Philippines,” Quinto said.
Another OFW in Riyadh shared similar sentiments, stating: “It is in this kind of situation that the ‘bayanihan’ (helpful) spirit of the Filipinos should be shown.”
Filipino communities in Riyadh also pledged to help the typhoon victims. Among them is the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers Central Region Saudi Arabia Riyadh Chapter (PSME-CRSA).
“Once again, our country is in the midst of trials and tribulations, and we are calling on all the members to donate or pray for the victims of this catastrophic typhoon. The PSME creed says that we are mechanical engineers of the Philippines who are conscious of our responsibilities to God, our country and to our fellowmen,” said PSME-CRSA President Resty Sibug.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said typhoon Trami moved away from the Philippine on Wednesday and was moving toward China.
The Philippine Embassy said the people who want to help typhoon victims should visit the official website of the following government agencies:
For cash donations: National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center (www.ndrrmc.gov.ph), Department of Social Welfare and Development (www.dswd.gov.ph), and the Philippine Red Cross (www.redcross.org.ph).
For donations in kind, contact DSWD National Resource Operations Center (NROC).
Filipino expats to help typhoon-affected countrymen
