04 April 2014 - A team from the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco joined San Francisco’s Color run last March 15, to project the Philippines’ message of appreciation and gratitude for the international community’s support in the wake of the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda (International name: Haiyan)

“On behalf of the Philippines, we want to express our sincere appreciation for the outpouring of kindness and sympathy that our country received in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda,” Acting Head of the Consulate General Jaime Ascalon explained.  “This was just a small way for our team to put the message out to the local community in a fun and interactive way.”

Among other gestures, San Francisco’s City Hall was lighted in the colors of the Philippine flag for two weeks following the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), as a gesture of solidarity with those who had been affected by the disaster. 

In February of this year, the San Francisco Manila Sister City Committee organized the Mabuhay Manila: Business, Cultural and Rebuilding Mission, headed by no less than San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee.  During the mission, the “SF Gives Back Forum” was held to provide updates on the assistance extended by the San Francisco Bay Area Community to relief and rebuilding efforts in the affected areas.  Officials from the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management also joined the mission to share best practices on disaster preparedness and management.  END