Community Organizations Coming Together for Fund Drive and Vigil for Typhoon Victims in Southern Philippines

[PUSO Seattle]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 26, 2011

Contact: Freedom Siyam

free....@gmail.com | 206.659.1130

Community Organizations Coming Together for Fund Drive and Vigil for Typhoon Victims in Southern Philippines

On December 17, tropical storm Sendong (aka Typhoon Washi) struck the Philippines deeply impacting the Southern Islands of Mindanao. The cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan were amongst the worst hit by flash floods and landslides leaving 1,080 people confirmed dead. More fatalities are expected, and more than 100,000 survivors are left homeless.

Local grassroots network Bayan-NW and the Filipino Community Center of Seattle are organizing a fund drive to help those hit hardest by the typhoon. This nationally coordinated effort named Bayanihan Relief is accepting funds through January. Donations raised in cities across the U.S. will benefit specific affected regions. Here in Seattle, all proceeds help the destroyed areas within the Cagayan de Oro region.

The sponsors will also be organizing a vigil and benefit concert (featuring Ihaw Ihaw) for the victims and survivors of Sendong at the Filipino Community Center of Seattle on December 29 at 6pm. “It has been a difficult Christmas for the local Filipino community,” according to BAYAN-USA Regional Coordinator Rachel Cendana. “First, the brutal murder of our beloved Danny Vega. Now, Typhoon Sendong displacing so many of our overseas friends and loved ones.” 

Individuals can financially contribute to the people affected by Sendong in a number of ways. You can make checks out to “Pinay sa Seattle.” In the memo, please write “Sendong” and your email if you would like updates on the status of the relief process.

1.      You can mail checks written to “Pinay sa Seattle” to the Filipino Community Center of Seattle:  740 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Seattle, 98118 with “Sendong” in Memo.  These donations will go directly to BALSA Mindanao.

2.      You can also wire money directly to the “BALSA Mindanao” or Bulig Alang Sa Mindanao/Help Mindanao:  Panday Bulig, Inc., RCBC Velez Branch, Cagayan de Oro City. You will need to tell them the account number is 1095029776 and the swift code is RCBCPHMM. Please make these payments out to “BALSA Mindanao.”

Despite the recent calamities, Cendana and other drive organizers remain inspired. “The Seattle community always comes together to help one another in such adverse times.” People interested to find out more information, can email: bayanu...@gmail.com. ###

Bayanihan Relief Fund Drive
When: From Monday, December 26, 2011 to Saturday, January 7, 2012
Where: The Filipino Community Center of Seattle and participating businesses will have boxes (information on additional locations forthcoming).

Bayanihan Vigil for the Victims and Survivors of Sendong
When: Thursday, December 29, 2011 from 6-9pm
Where: Filipino Community Center of Seattle
5740 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way
Seattle, WA 98118