GOVPH

6 December 2013 - Some 2,000 Norwegians and Filipinos braved freezing weather to join a torchlight parade on November 24 to show sympathy for the victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Philippines. The event organized by the Norwegian Red Cross, Norwegian Church Aid, Street Light, UNICEF and Save the Children, was led by the Minister for Culture Thorhild Widwey and Oslo Mayor Fabian Stang.

The torchlight parade which started at Oslo's Central Station and ended at the National Theatre, was followed by a fundraising concert organized and sponsored by NRK, the state media organization.

According to NRK President Thor Erikson, the fund raising concert earned 30 million Norwegian krone (NOK) for the typhoon Yolanda victims.

Meanwhile, last November 22, Bishop Bernt Ivar Eidsvik of the Diocese of Oslo and 14 other priests celebrated a requiem mass for the victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) at St. John Church (Bredtvet Kirke) in Bredtvetveien 12, Oslo.

With the crown prince of Norway, His Rqyal Highness Prince Haakon, as honored guest, and Oslo Mayor Fabian Stang, the church was filled with Filipino and Norwegian parishioners.

In his sermon, Bishop Eidsvik noted that the generous donation of the Norwegian government to the typhoon victims, the presence of Prime Minister Erna Solberg at the November 17 mass, and the presence of the Crown Prince that night are clear indications of the Norwegian people's respect for the Filipino community in Norway.

The acting Bishop of the Church of Norway also attended the mass while the head of the Jewish synagogue sent a condolence message which was read by Bishop Eidsvik. The Philippine Embassy, led by Ambassador Bayani S. Mercado, participated in all these events.

It will be recalled that last November 11, His Majesty, King Harald V, sent a letter message to President Aquino to convey his "deepest sympathy to all those affected by this terrible storm".        

The Norwegian Shipowners' Association which has a training center in Manila has sent its training ship MV OCA to Tacloban to deliver relief goods donated by Nordic businessmen for the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

To date, the Norwegian government has donated NOK 65 million (Php 455 million) and has asked parliament for an additional appropriation of NOK 140 million (Php 1 billion) for relief efforts in the Philippines. END