02 January 2014 - The Marseille Press Club organized an evening of solidarity with Filipino journalists affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) on December 19, 2013 at the World Trade Center of Marseille.

In her remarks, the Vice President of the Press Club, Ms. Jacqueline de Grandmaison, mentioned the risks that journalists faced everyday, particularly natural disasters, and how the Marseille Press Club wanted to help Filipino journalists and their families who were affected by the typhoon. 

Representing the Philippine Embassy in Paris was Third Secretary and Vice Consul Rapunzel Acop who shared stories of Filipino journalists who risked their lives in order to fulfill their vital role of public information during the critical hours after Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) made landfall.

Ms. Acop highlighted the stories of radio broadcaster Ronald Viñas and station manager Imelda Magbutay both from Tacloban who died in the line of duty. 

During the event, several prizes were raffled off, such as round trip AirFrance tickets from Marseille, a photo by Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar, two nights in Hotel Mercure in Marseille, and even a cello.

All proceeds of the event went to the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility. END