21 November 2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, led by Ambassador Constancio R. Vingno Jr., reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Philippines has been receiving various types of assistance from private groups, individuals and Filipino communities from countries under the Embassy’s jurisdiction in the wake of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
Ambassador Vingno reported that Gift of the Givers, a South African non-government organization, has linked with Rescue 926 of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard, and has sent a 20-member team of rescue divers, water-rescue paramedics, primary health care workers, a trauma doctor and a pediatrician for sea-based rescue and relief operations in small island communities. The team brought rescue equipment, medical supplies, medicine and nutrition supplements, as well as food, clothing, blankets, linen, towels and toys from South Africa.
The Ambassador also reported that, through the leadership of Honorary Consul General Etienne Brechet in Luanda, Angola, Consul Brechet’s company Jembas and its Filipino employees gave a total of US$27,390 (50% from Jembas and 50% from Filipino employees) for typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) relief operations through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Community Transformation Movement, a non-government organization associated with the Society of the Divine Word.
Filipino expatriates of Yoyo Foods in Zambia also donated US$1,100 for typhoon victims through the Philippine Red Cross.
The Embassy has been receiving numerous requests for information on avenues for monetary and in-kind donations, as well as expressions of sympathy and offers of prayer for the victims of the typhoon. Differing amounts of donations in South African currency were handed to the Embassy by private individuals. Also, a group of citizens from Zimbabwe donated US$1,550. These amounts were all properly acknowledged by the Embassy through letters personally written by the donors specifying the amounts donated. These amounts will all be transferred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as soon as possible.
On November 17, a mass was offered for the survivors and victims of the typhoon at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Pretoria, which was attended by Ambassador Vingno, the officers and staff of the Embassy, as well as members of the Filipino community.
A Book of Condolences at the Embassy Chancery has received messages from over 50 representations of various countries in Pretoria, as well as from government and private individuals. END