Filipinos in the Kingdom have launched a campaign to solicit cash donations, clothing and other relief goods for the victims of typhoon Ondoy that devastated the Philippines. The cash donation drive and support projects are being coordinated by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah. “We are meeting with community organizations and Filipino schools to spearhead the campaign; we are appealing as well to our friends here in the Kingdom for their support on behalf of our people who have been displaced due to the typhoon,” Ambassador Antonio Villamor said. He said the fund drive will kick off in Filipino schools in Riyadh, and will be followed by community organizations. “Our embassy will be meeting Filipino school officials and community leaders to consult with them on the plan of action we will jointly take; what is important is the support of all,” Villamor said. The ambassador will meet community leaders in the Eastern Province this weekend to drum up support for the drive. The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in the region is currently coordinating with community organizations. Consul General Ezzedin H.Tago at the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah has also mobilized the consulate to connect with the Filipino community in the Western Region. “The consulate is now coordinating with community organizations here; we are also holding discussions with relief agencies in Manila on the best way to send cash and material support,” Tago said. Villamor and Tago said cash donations would be the best way to aid the victims of the typhoon. “It is easier to raise funds, which can be sent immediately. Community organizations can also send material support, such as clothing and canned goods, but these will entail freight costs and require special distribution procedures,” Villamor said. Tago said community schools and organizations in Jeddah and the Western Region will be requested to send cash donations instead. “We prefer cash donations; we are coordinating with Manila on the best way to send the solicited funds,” he said. Villamor said he will suggest to schools and community organizations in Riyadh and the Eastern Province that solicited cash be sent to the account of the Philippine Embassy, which will remit the amount to the proper agency in Manila. The embassy account number is 037040804015, Saudi Hollandi Bank, Diplomatic Quarter Branch. Villamor and Tago said that community organizations could also send material support. They must, however, coordinate properly with the National Disaster Coordinating Council.
