The recent typhoon Sendong tragedy in the Philippines that has killed over a thousand people and left thousands homeless and properties destroyed has also demonstrated that Filipinos based in Australia are ready to help their kababayans when they are dire need.
In Melbourne, the Philippine Consulate in Victoria, the different organisations and associations and the Filipino Pastoral Council of Melbourne have joined hands to generate funds and assist the victims.
Raising 22K
In an unprecedented show of support, Filos who attended the Special mass for the typhoon victims and the concert generated a total of $22,787.15. The mass collection totalled $17,940.75; the concert proceeds, $3,975; while the Circulo Capizeno of Melbourne Inc and Masagana Fil-Asian Shop in Boronia owned by Terry and Boy Apines, $871.40 from the food sale during the concert. The event, held last 29 December at the St. Brigid’s Parish, was organised by the Philippine Consulate of Victoria and the Filipino Pastoral Council of Melbourne. The St Peter Chapel Parish through Fr. Bong contributed the whole of their collection from the Simbang Gabi (December 16-24) to the funds.
Philippine Honorary Consul General of Victoria Gigi Kalong told The Philippine Times that the funds collected will go directly to bonafide recipients as endorsed by the Philippine Embassy. The funds will be coursed through the Consulate but will have a tag as donated by the Philippine-Australian Community of Victoria, Australia.
She said she is happy with the outcome of the event. “I am so heartened by the overwhelmingly positive response from the Filipino-Australian community here in Victoria. It was a solid testament that we can do it, we can unite and we will unite,” she said in her email to the community.
Congen Kalong said the fundraising event should serve as a good indication that Filos are willing to help. “It is not the end but merely a beginning as we reach out to the less fortunate and help in whatever way we can. There will be more events to come in the new year,” she said.
Thanking those who supported
The idea of a fundraising for the typhoon victims started when Congen Kalong called Dr. Ed Lagrito, President of the Australian Viasayan Association of Victoria In. (AVAVI), to get the group’s support. Fr Loi was then contacted and Andy Cabrera suggested to have a concert. All the artists performed for free.
The Emergency Relief Fund group and other organisations were then approached to participate in the event. “I have emailed leaders of the Filipino Community Council of Victoria, AVAVI, FAME and Filo organisations from Geelong, Ringwood, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton and Gippland,” Congen said.
Coming and praying together
Fr. Loi said the fundraising event was indeed a collective effort and concern of Filos. “I was amazed by their generosity, by their time, talent and treasure. I do believe in angels and last night’s event was a clear manifestation that angels exist,” he told The Philippine Times a day after the event.
He thanks Dr Lagrito for the idea of having a special mass, and Congen Kalong, Andy Cabrera and the local artists, the Capizeno group, the concelebrant priests and those “unsung heroes” who worked behind the scene. “Our contribution would probably be just a drop compared to the P1.3 billion that the victims needed. However, our collective effort, prayers and concern showed our care and solidarity to them in this time of difficulty,” Fr. Loi added.
Father said what was touching for him was not only collecting donations but the unity in prayer. “We’ve come together and prayed together as one, united and driven by the spirit of community and generosity,” he said.
The LBC Foundation distributed 50 free boxes after the mass and the filled boxes will be shipped free of charge.
Monetary donations are still welcome. Please deposit the amount to the following banks:
Account name: Filipino Pastoral Council of Melbourne Bank: Bendigo Bank; BSB: 633000 Account numbers: 122096712; Reference: Sendong.
Philippine Embassy appeals for cash donations
Alexander Go, Charge d’ Affaires of the Philippine Embassy, in his latest memorandum to the Filipino community in Australia, said that monetary donations are preferred due to the urgency of the needs of the victims. Sanitation, mass burial, food, water and shelter are the immediate needs of the victims. By having cash donations, the needs of those affected are addressed faster, he wrote in the same memo. For details on how to donate, please check: www.philembassy.org.au.
