22 January 2014 - Philippine Ambassador to Laos Maria Lumen B. Isleta, together with the representatives of the fundraisers group from the Filipino community in Laos handed over cash assistance to the beneficiaries of various fundraising activities for super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) survivors in a simple ceremony held at the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane on 16 December 2013.

Twenty (20) Filipinos in Laos whose families were directly affected by the typhoon were endorsed by their employers, religious and civic groups.   Five of the beneficiaries who had already gone back home to the Philippines to be with their immediate families were represented by close friends and co-workers during the handover.  

In her message to the beneficiaries, Ambassador Isleta expressed her  concern  about  the loss of their homes, properties and livelihood  caused by the typhoon.  She hoped that the cash assistance raised through the efforts of the Filipino community in the various fund raising events (Bike-for-a-Cause, Flea Market-for-a-Cause and Dine-for-a-Cause) as well as the pledging/donation session organized by the Embassy, would somehow help them and their families back home rebuild their houses and their lives after the disaster.  She also thanked the members of the fundraising group for devoting their time, efforts and resources in helping their Laos-based kababayans.  A total of US$15,045 was raised for the 20 identified beneficiaries.

The Filipino community fundraisers group was represented by Dr. Bernadette Gonzales and Mr. Joel Wayne Ganibe of Intem Philippines, and  Srs. Milagros Azucena and Corazon Jegillo of the Daughters of Charity.   They hoped that their efforts would cheer up the beneficiaries and their families a bit for the Christmas season. Other Filipino community members of the fundraisers group are Mr. Erwin Balanay, Mr. Simon Valenzuela and Bro. Carlo Bacalla.

Beneficiaries were very thankful for the support extended to them and expressed that the cash assistance will be a big help for them and their families in rebuilding their lives. Each beneficiary received an amount of US$752.00.  END