JEDDAH — Various Filipino groups in Jeddah donated money to help victims of the recent flashfloods spawned by torrential rains that hit Manila and other parts of northern Luzon in the Philippines a few weeks ago. One of the organizers told Saudi Gazette that around SR2,800 has been sent to Manila a few days ago to buy food, medicines, bottled water, milk for children, toiletries and other basic necessities to help those affected by the calamity. Arman Muleem said: “We have volunteers from our group in the Worldwide-Filipino-Alliance (Pandaigdigan Alyansa ng Pilipino, Inc.) who will do the distribution.” Muleem said the money was collected from a charity dinner, called “Dinner Show for the Victims of Habagat” at the Laparilla Resaurant. He said the event was organized in partnership with the Kapulungan ng Samahang Pilipino (KASAPI Congress) and supported by Circulo Ilonggo in Saudi Arabia , OFW Cooperative Council, ASTIG Jeddah, Toastmasters, KAPIT-BISIG and the Scout Royale Brotherhood (SRB). Only 47 people attended the event, way below what was expected by the organizers. Muleem added: “We are very sad; we expected the full support of the Filipino community in Jeddah. Our campaign was aggressive but most of those who committed to the event did not show up.” Atoy Esguerra from Batangas group and Kaagapay ng Bawat OFW Advocacy group said they were able to raise a decent amount despite the poor attendance.
He added: “Thank you to the kind-hearted individuals who made efforts for this endeavor to succeed. They know who they are.” Muleem said it was the support overseas Filipino workers showed for their compatriots in the Philippines that counted, not the amount of money donated. Early last month, a “habagat” (monsoon) wreaked havoc in Metro Manila and other parts of Northern Luzon, triggering landslides and flashfloods that have resulted in fatalities and damage to properties.An average of 20 tropical storms or typhoons hit the Philippines each year.
