Facebook appeal to help typhoon victims
True to the title of the Philippines being named the social networking capital of the world, the use of social media by Filipino-Australians to appeal for help for the victims of Typhoon Sendong is gaining positive feedback.
Melba Marginson, Executive Director of the Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition, has appealed to her friends and contacts through her Facebook account to assist their network command centre in the Philippines, the Ranaw Disaster Response and Rehabilitation Assistance Center Inc. (RDRRAC). The Center is located at Door 2 Maca-agir Apt., 6th East, Tubod, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte Philippines, telephone number +63 63-223-3171.
Donations can be deposited to:
Account Name: Ranaw Disaster Response and Rehabilitation Assistance Center, Inc. or RDRRAC, Inc.
(For peso donations)
Account Number: 0321-1964-03
Bank Name: Land Bank of the Philippines
Bank Address: Pala-o, Iligan City
(For Dollar donations)
Account Number: 0672-00299-8
Bank Name: Allied Bank
Bank Address: Quezon Avenue, Iligan City
SWIFT CODE: ABCMPHMM
Paypal Account: ching.borres@gmail.com
Local entertainers perform for a cause
Meanwhile, Andy Cabrera’s invitation to his Facebook friends to perform in the concert, “Operation Sendong Fundraising Concert” was posted on 21 December 2011. It is expected that Filipino and Australian bands, singers and artists will perform on the day. The concert will be held immediately after the special mass offering for the flood victims at 7pm at St. Brigid’s Parish.
After a few hours, Cabrera, a volunteer in the Philippine Consulate, Melbourne and an entertainer/radio broadcaster, received positive responses. His Facebook posting reveals the following entertainers who volunteered to perform: Fahrenheit 43, an Australian Band; Filo singers Jerson Trinidad and Floralie Escano; singing nurses Grace Iwasaki and Charlene Sotelo, Jehscy Hatsue Sotelo, Daryl Villaruel, Jake Estabillo and many more.
Share-Me-A-Dream helps
Another Facebook appeal comes from Terry Recto Tarroza Kane, Vice President of Share-Me-A-Dream, who will be visiting Cagayan De Oro City on 26 December 2011 to distribute food, bottled water and clothing to some villages in Cagayan de Oro.
Donations in cash or kind are accepted. Please contact Terry on 0916 7107 720 for any donation.
“We understand many of you have other priorities, being so close to Christmas and financially everyone is struggling at the moment. We are not asking for big amounts, any small amount would be a great help, every dollar counts,” the posting of such link on Facebook.
Cash donations can be remitted to this account:
Westpac Account Name: Share-Me-A-Dream Bisayan Community Club of Victoria Inc.
BSB: 033501
Account No: 149103
While the above Facebook appeals by Filos are genuine as posted by the FB owners themselves, the public is being warned of social media scammers. A site called gulftelugu.com has advised the public to screen properly Facebook and Twitter accounts appealing for help so that donations will reach the correct beneficiaries.
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