19 November 2013 – Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz witnessed, on November 10, the simple turnover of the monetary donations by Filipinos in Lebanon, particularly the Filipino churchgoers at the St. Elie Parish in Antelias, Metn. St. Elie Church is one of the Catholic churches in Lebanon, where many Filipinos attend mass on Sundays. The turnover was done after the 11:00 a.m. mass.

The fundraising drive was led by the Samahan ng mga Filipino sa Lebanon (SAMAFIL) represented by Ms. Anita Adigue and the Filipino Community Association (FCA) represented by Mr. Dante and Mrs. Beth Tagudin.  The total amount of Php 100,050.00 was collected during the fundraising drive. Donations came from FCA, SAMAFIL and Filipino churchgoers at St. Elie Church and other members of the Filipino community, including Mrs. Vergie Del Rosario, Ms. Julie Bawigan and Ms. Leila Rofuli.  Other donors are the Filipino store Manila Market, the Filipino freelance agents of remittance company i-Remit Lebanon and St. Elie Church parish priest Fr. Theo Vlugt.

Of the collected amount, Php 50,025.00 pesos will be sent to the victims of the recent earthquake in Bohol and nearby provinces and the balance will be sent to the victims of super typhoon Yolanda, all through the Philippine Red Cross. Other Filipino groups and individuals in Lebanon are also making their respective fundraising activities for the benefit of the victims of super typhoon Yolanda. END