11 November 2013 – The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur said today that the Filipino’s bayanihan spirit shone through as Embassy officers and staff, the Filipino community and Malaysian friends conducted an on-the-spot fund drive for the benefit of those affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

During the Third Philippines-Malaysia Labor Exchange Conference held at Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa in Selangor on November 10, the participants of the event did a “pass-the-hat” among themselves for the benefit of the victims, which they turned over to Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya.  Ambassador Malaya delivered a message during the event.

The Philippines-Malaysia Labor Exchange Conference brought together close to 200 representatives from the Philippine Association of Manpower Agencies for Malaysia Affiliates (PAMAMA) and Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)-accredited Malaysian agencies.  

During the conference, the participants discussed strategies and updates on labor exchange, job facilitation and employment contracting, welfare and protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) consistent with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) policies, identified strategies and measures to effectively implement employment policies, and promoted and enhanced camaraderie amongsending/receiving country operators.

International Labor Organization Senior Program Officer based in Bangkok and former DOLE Undersecretary Manuel Imson was the event’s guest speaker. Also present were Embassy Labor Attache Dr. Alicia Santos and POLO officers and staff.

At the Embassy’s flag ceremony today, Embassy officers and staff also did a “pass-the-hat” of their own.

In total, the joint efforts were able to collect 3,000 Malaysian ringgit (around US$1000), which will be sent to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC).

“Truly, the Filipinos’ generosity, concern for others and bayanihan spirit shone through at this difficult time.  I wish to thank everyone for their efforts, which would go a long way towards helping our nationals affected by this typhoon.  As they say, the Filipino spirit is indomitable, and I am confident that this would help us overcome this challenge,” Ambassador Malaya said.

The Embassy is also undertaking other fund-raising initiatives to help those affected by the typhoon.

It will be placing a donation box at the cashier of the Embassy’s consular area for its clients who wish to give their donations until November 15 (Friday).  The total amount collected will be sent to the PNRC.

In cooperation with LBC, boxes for in-kind aid will be placed at the Embassy’s consular area.  Donations for blankets, sleeping mats, tents, mosquito nets, clothes, foodstuffs (water, rice, biscuits, noodles, canned goods, etc.), toiletries and hygienic products (diapers, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.), cooking utensils, medicines, first aid kits and the like are accepted.  This will be shipped to the PNRC and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the LBC Foundation.

Those who cannot go to the Embassy can send their financial donations through the PNRC (http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate), the DSWD (www.dswd.gov.ph) or the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center or NDRRMC (www.ndrrmc.gov.ph).  

As of 6 a.m. today, the NDRRMC reported that more than 2 million families are affected in 51 cities and 41 provinces.  It also reported that there are 251 casualties, 71 injured and 39 missing.  Currently, the Philippine Government is actively engaged in a massive search and rescue operation over a wide area.  END