06 December 2013 - The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, Hawaii, in solidarity with the Government and Filipino-American community in Hawaii, attended the following activities in connection with fundraising and relief efforts for victims of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and information awareness campaigns on the impact of natural disasters in the Philippines:

Press Conference at the Office of the Governor to enlist “Rainbow Warrior” spirit 

During the Press Conference at the Office of Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie on  November 22, Consul General Julius D. Torres conveyed that “the outpouring of assistance, expressions of support and prayers from all over the world is one of those rare occasions when the term ‘common humanity’ finds a sterling embodiment. He also thanked the Governor and the Mayors of Honolulu, Maui, Big Island and Kauai and their constituents, and the US Pacific Command for their generous support and timely assistance to the Philippines.

The Press Conference was organized by Governor Abercrombie to announce that every ticket sold for the University of Hawaii (UH) vs. Army home game last November 30 will be matched by a $5 donation to the “Filipino Community Center – Aloha for Philippines” fund, with a maximum donation of $20,000. The commitment applies to every ticket sold until game time, and is made possible by the generosity of UH supporters who asked to remain anonymous.

Candlelight Vigil at the Frank Fasi Civic Center Grounds

The Office of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General and the Filipino Community Center organized a solemn candlelight vigil in honor of the victims and survivors of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the evening of November 22 at the Frank Fasi Civic Center Grounds. Over 100 individuals attended the one-hour program.

During his remarks, Consul General Torres reiterated the Philippine Government’s appreciation for all the “outpouring of material and moral support from the State’s government entities, civic groups, private companies and residents of all colors and nationalities”. He also expressed hope that “with our help, the victims can attain security in food, shelter and clothing that much faster, and that healing may also come faster.” The Royal Hawaiian Band performed a dramatic rendition of the Filipino song “Dahil Sa ‘Yo”, to the delight of the audience.

Roundtable Discussion on Disaster Response and Preparedness at the Filipino Community Center

The Consulate attended a Roundtable Discussion on Disaster Response and Preparedness which primarily discussed about where and how donated funds for the Philippines will be used, and how to be better prepared for future disasters.

It also tackled ways on how the Filipino community in Hawaii can be better partners in the Philippines' disaster preparedness efforts. While it acknowledges the continued generosity and patriotism of the community, the Filipino Community Center believes that it can channel the efforts of the community from "knee jerk" response to raise funds each time there is a disaster towards more sustainable initiatives on disaster preparedness.

     
Among the other speakers were Jon Matsuoka, President and CEO of the Consuelo Alger Foundation, Danny Urquico of the Child & Family Service Philippines, Inc., Dr. Raymund Liongson of the UH Leeward, Dr. Jim Roumasset of the College of Social Sciences at the UH Manoa, Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand, President of the UP Alumni Association of Hawai'i and Planner with the City & County of Honolulu, Bob Agres, former Executive Director of the Hawaii Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development, Serafin Colmenares Jr. of the Congress of Visayan Organizations, and Dr. Belinda Aquino, professor emeritus at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. END