Filipinos in China, Japanese firm send aid for ‘Sendong’ victims
MANILA, Philippines—Financial aid from the international community and Filipinos abroad continue to pour in for victims of Tropical Storm “Sendong” in Northern Mindanao.
Citing a report from the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that Filipinos in Suzhou held a fund-raising event in order to help raise funds for the storm victims in Iligan City.
Suzhou, located in China’s eastern province of Jiangsu, is home to some 100 Filipinos, many of whom are working as hotel executives, managers, teachers, as well as musicians and entertainers.
Through the sale of bingo cards, auction and money donations, the event was able to raise funds with value approximately equivalent to P81,690, which will be donated to Iligan sa Manila Inc. (ISMI), a non-governmental organization helping the affected people in Iligan City.
Meanwhile, one of the largest corporations in Japan has also pledged to donate ¥5 million in cash (approximately P2.8 million) as humanitarian assistance for those affected by Sendong.
The money was raised by officials of AEON Co. Ltd and its affiliated companies, the DFA said.
AEON Co. Ltd is one of the largest Japanese corporations involved in general merchandise operations, retail operations, retail property development, finance, convenience store operations, travel, and environmental preservation among other sectors.
The DFA earlier said that as of Jan. 3, it has received advice that a total of US$19,272,349.17 in donations and pledges was received for the storm victims.
The amount includes those from Filipino communities, Philippine Embassies and Consulates General around the world and private individuals/groups. It does not include donations or pledges without equivalent monetary value, or those given to the United Nations flash appeal.
The total comprises US$8,324,285,22 in cash, US$5,354,063.95 in kind and US$5,594,000 in pledges.
