Thursday, October 8, 2009

Students launch relief effort for flood victims

Students of the University of Hawaii today announced a campus relief effort dedicated to providing food, clothing and supplies for the Philippine flood victims. The donation drive will take place during the month of October, which happens to be Filipino History Month in Hawaii, and through November 10th.

The students are members of two Filipino language organizations that are part of the Filipino Studies program at UH: Katipunan – the Tagalog language group, and Tinpuyog – the Ilocano language group. The students were joined by Philippine Consul General Jun Cardenas, and State Representative Joey Manahan.

“As one of UH’s Filipino clubs, we are determined to support those who were devastated by Typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines,” said Richard Tabalno, President of Katipunan. “Both through our members and community, we will strive to provide everyone an opportunity to lend a helping hand to our Kababayan back in the Philippines in any way possible.”

Donation pick up information

What: The group is accepting canned goods; clean, reusable clothing; and other supplies such as blankets, sheets, toys and school supplies. Monetary donations are also accepted and encouraged as they are expected to reach victims faster than shipped items.

Where:The drop off center will be located at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Campus Center, 2nd floor in front of Jamba Juice. Donations are also accepted at the Philippine Consulate at 2433 Pali Hwy.

When:Every Tuesday, October 13, 20 & 27 and November 3 & 10. Hours from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

“The response of the Filipino community and the people of Hawaii to help the flood victims is overwhelming,” said Philippine Consul General Jun Cardenas. “Twelve days after the onslaught of Typhoon Ondoy, 80% of Manila and other affected areas remain underwater. The flood victims need food, clothes and blankets. The threat of disease is extremely high and they urgently need basic medicine such as those for fever and other respiratory conditions.”

“We are grateful for the people and state of Hawaii for the overwhelming show of support,” Cardenas added. “We are here to support efforts of the community to gather donations for the flood victims. I deeply appreciate the initiative of Rep. Joey Manahan and the student leaders of Katipunan and Timpuyog from UH and Kababayan from HPU for their spirit of volunteerism and their passion to help as they provide students from these universities the chance to help the flood victims.”

“We are deeply concerned about the social and economic costs of the recent flood in Manila and surrounding environs, as well as the typhoon that hit Northern Luzon,” said Janelle Funtanilla, President of Timpuyog. “This is an effort to reach out to them and offer our hand in assistance so that they will be able to rise up again.”

Katipunan and Timpuyog members are partnering with other students and organizations at the University of Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, and various individuals and non-profits in the relief effort. In addition, the LBC Foundation has agreed to ship the collected goods to the Philippines as their donation to the cause.

“Having been born in Manila, this is the worst flood I have seen in my lifetime,” said Rep. Joey Manahan (District 29 – Sand Island, Mokauea, Kalihi Kai, Kapalama.) “There is no doubt that the recovery and rehabilitation process will require great effort and will rely on our generosity and willingness to give. I am glad to be working with Katipunan and Timpuyog, as well as with Philippine Consul General Jun Cardenas to do our part for the flood relief effort.”

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