20 November 2013 - In the aftermath of typhoon “Yolanda”, Philippine Ambassador to Chile Maria Consuelo Puyat-Reyes responded to numerous telephone calls from government officials, prominent businessmen and private citizens who have expressed their sympathies and desire to help. All the churches throughout Chile offered masses for the “Yolanda” victims. The Papal Nuncio celebrated a mass for the intentions of the Philippines on November 13 at the Apostolic Nunciature with several members of the diplomatic corps, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Filipino community and Embassy staff in attendance.
Chile’s President Sebastian Piñera wrote a letter of condolence to President Benigno S. Aquino III and to the Filipino people expressing deep sorrow for the victims and the tragic consequences caused by the typhoon.
Chilean Foreign Minister Alfredo Moreno told the local media that "Our embassy is getting in touch with Filipino authorities to find out what their needs are and how we can collaborate," and “the Filipinos have faced a disaster of enormous dimensions and we Chileans know what it is to face natural disasters," referring to Chile’s own experiences with earthquakes and tsunamis.
In addition, Ambassador Puyat-Reyes was also interviewed on television, radio and newspapers (e.g. CNN Chile, Red Channel, Radio Nacional, El Mercurio, La Segunda, Tercera, etc…) with the Ambassador highlighting the President’s hands-on approach. All TV stations in Chile featured the devastating effects of Yolanda thereby raising the awareness of the public who were moved to donate to the Yolanda victims.
Nido de Aguilas, an exclusive school for mostly children of the diplomatic corps, organized a fair to raise funds for their projects will give half of the amount raised to the victims of typhoon Yolanda.
Filipinos in Chile have also mobilized to assist the typhoon victims. Mr. Roy Betinol, President of the Filipino Community, spearheaded a campaign to assist the victims in Ormoc. He sent one of his employees, who incidentally hails from Ormoc, to buy supplies in Cebu City such as food, water and medicine to be distributed to the people in Ormoc. The Community raised around Php 540,000.00 given by its members and friends.
The Embassy has opened a book of condolence for those who wish to express their sympathies and concerns for the victims of the typhoon. END
