CEBUANOS have mobilized to contribute to relief operations for flood-hit Luzon.
The efforts are being made by civic groups, business entities, media outfits, political leaders and concerned citizens .
The Philippine National Red Cross Cebu chapter started accepting cash and material donations in their office, said Norma Tancinco. (See list of organizations accepting donations)
Shipping firms and airlines have also offered free carriage of relief goods to Manila.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has asked parishes to gather donations in cash and goods for the flood victims.
In the Capitol, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia ordered the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) to coordinate with counterparts in Manila to determine the disaster aid to be given. Garcia said the cash aid would be substantial, but did not give figures.
Garcia said they are arranging with some stores in Manila for the Capitol to pay for the purchase of the goods from here and have them distributed there.
Cebu 6th district Rep. Gabriel Luis R. Quisumbing accompanied relief goods yesterday to Marikina City in coordination with Rep. Miro Quimbo of the city’s 2nd district.
“I call on my fellow Cebuanos, to please help our brothers and sisters who were hit hard by the disastrous rain and floods. They need food, warm clothes and clean water at the evacuation centers,” he said in a press statement.
Tancinco said a 20 foot van of Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corp. is being filled with relief goods. The company offered to ship them for free.
As of yesterday, Tancinco said that they already received donations from 50 companies.
SM City Cebu opened its Operation Tulong booth in the lower ground floor of the mall.
Last Wednesday, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama announced he would send P5 million as relief aid to the flood-struck areas of Metro Manila./Carmel Loise Matus, Tweeny M. Malinao, Carine M. Asutilla, Edison delos Angeles