More funds needed for ‘Yolanda’ victims

Caritas Philippines, a Catholic social service organization, said it would need P286,147,363 for relief and rehabilitation efforts for Supertyphoon “Yolanda” victims until February next year.

According to Caritas Manila executive director and Radyo Veritas 846 president Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual, a total of P20,762,251.35 worth of in-kind donations and P63,016,394.30 in cash donations have been raised, including $26,958 from Caritas Polska, $133,693 from CordAid Netherlands and $24,983 from Knights of Columbus.

With the amount, Caritas Manila distributed 116,877 relief bags and 2,229 family buckets worth P52,501,620. Caritas Manila’s relief and rehabilitation efforts also include cash for work, distribution of fishing and farming materials and tricycle or tri-bike to Yolanda survivors.

Caritas National Secretariat for Social Action–Justice and Peace, Caritas Internationalis and the 10 typhoon devastated dioceses will form a governing body to oversee the recovery and rehabilitation program to ensure sustainability and fair distribution of aid and resources.