18 November 2014 - The Los Angeles City Council, observed a “Moment of Silence” marking the first anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan at the John Ferraro Council Chamber of the City Hall of Los Angeles. 

Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell spearheaded the “Moment of Silence” followed by a presentation of images on the effects of the typhoon.  He also encouraged the City Council to continue the lobby for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for the Philippines.

In his remarks, Philippine Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim said “a year ago, the heavens opened up an unknown fury upon Central Philippines that unleashed wind speeds and storm surges that left over 6,000 deaths, over 28,000 injuries and about a million families displaced. While the images of the tragedy were being flashed across various media, the people of Los Angeles opened their hearts and moved to help. I thank Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell and the whole City Council for taking a defining leadership role in these efforts.”

Consul General Herrera-Lim and Councilmember O’Farrell jointly issued a call for all those wishing to help to donate to the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (www.help.ph).

The Peace Project Founder Lisa Schultz addressed the City Council and shared her experience in their efforts to build temporary housing and community building to benefit the the survivors in Bantayan Island.

Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) Executive Director Aquilina Verzosa, in her address to the City Council, gave updates on the joint efforts by PWC and Filipino-American leaders to push for the designation of TPS for the Philippines so that eligible Filipinos may continue to work in the US and provide financial support to their families affected by Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. END