Bayanihan spirit excels in Singapore to aid typhoon Sendong victims

The Philippine Embassy in Singapore reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Bayanihan spirit shone through once again in Singapore in the wake of the devastation caused by Typhoon Sendong in Northern Mindanao. Filipinos and Singaporeans alike came together to extend their sympathy and assistance for the victims of the typhoon.

The Singapore Red Cross was one of the first responders, sending a six-person team to the Philippines on Dec. 21 to assist in relief efforts alongside the Philippine National Red Cross. The Singapore Government also coursed a donation of SGD50,000 through the SRC, together with an individual donor, Ms. Elaine Low, who gave SGD300,000 for the typhoon victims.

The Singapore Buddhist Lodge, a 30,000-strong organization that provides community and welfare services to promote Buddhist teachings and values, donated SGD20,853.70 for the typhoon victims. Ambassador Minda Calaguian-Cruz received the cheque from their President, Mr. Lee Bock Guan, on January 19, and the amount will be transferred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Mercy Relief Singapore donated 15 units of Portable Water Filtration Systems worth USD45,000 and 28,800 pieces of ready-to-eat food packs for the victims not only of Typhoon Sendong, but also the other typhoons that caused severe damage in other parts of the country earlier last year.

Meanwhile, PNB Singapore and iRemit Global Remittance Singapore waived the fees for remittances to the PNRC, ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation and GMA Kapuso Foundation intended for the victims of Typhoon Sendong. As of mid-January, the two companies have jointly facilitated the transfer of SGD19,748.65 and P404,795 from Filipino and foreign donors in Singapore, in support of relief efforts.

For donations in kind, the Philippine Bayanihan Society (Singapore), which runs the Bayanihan Center, spearheaded a donation drive, in cooperation with the Filipino Overseas Workers in Singapore, University of the Philippines Alumni Association Singapore, Robin Cargo Express and Regent Forex Cargo. They were able to collect 13 balikbayan boxes of canned goods, noodles, cooking utensils, rice, milk, blankets, medicine, used clothing, and school bags, which were sent to Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan for distribution to the typhoon victims.

The Embassy also enlisted the support of Afreight Cargo, which agreed to sponsor the freight of 10 balikbayan boxes of relief goods for the typhoon victims, donated by locals and Filipinos alike, to be sent to DSWD.

Other Filipino organizations in Singapore, such as Pinoygraphers@SG, Beterinaryo SG, and Filipino Bowlers Club Singapore, conducted their own fundraising activities. - PIA — ARA