Senators’ media officers extend financial aid to typhoon victims

MANILA, Philippines — A group of media officers for senators donated cash to the charitable arm of the Ateneo De Naga University (ADNU) in Bicol as well as to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to aid victims of recent typhoons.

Public Officers of the Senators (PROS) president Glenda Olid said Friday the group’s members contributed cash in their personal capacity to augment assistance for residents of typhoon-hit areas.

Members of the Public Officers of the Senators (PROS). File photo courtesy of PROS president Glenda Olid

“Nag-ipon po kami ng personal na donasyon at naipahatid na namin online. Kahit may mga sari-sariling relief operations ang aming mga tanggapan, nagsikap kaming makakalap sa bawat miyembro ng PROS,” Olid said in a statement.

(We gathered personal donations from our members and we sent this online. Even though our respective offices have its own relief operations, we still tried to collate cash donations.)

“Hinati rin namin ang donasyon para pantay na mabigyan ang Ateneo De Naga at PRC,” Olid added.

(We divided the amount to be donated to Ateneo De Naga and the PRC.)

ADNU president Fr. Roberto Rivera, in a letter to Olid, underscored the importance of continuing support both from individuals and groups for the continued delivery of basic needs to typhoon victims.

“The big emerging need, however, is for ‘shelter rebuilding kits’ (g.i. sheets, lumber, nails) and much of the contributions such as yours will go to that,” Rivera’s letter reads.

He also expressed concern that donations could dwindle later on with local government units “reporting that their funds are depleted because of the pandemic.”

“[W]e expect to channel donations for food packs, especially after the initial outpouring slows down,” he added.

KGA