Dubai Filipinos unite to raise cash for typhoon victims

DUBAI // Filipinos in Dubai have stepped up relief efforts for typhoon victims, raising Dh12,270 at a breakfast fundraiser on Friday.

The death toll from Typhoon Bopha, which battered the southern Philippines, is likely to reach 1,500. This would make it the second-deadliest typhoon in the country, the civil defence chief Benito Ramos said on Saturday.

Filcom, which represents community groups in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, had cancelled its Christmas party as a mark of respect for the victims.

"The Filcom has once again shown that when we are united, we can achieve anything," said Matilyn Bagunu, FilCom's president.

"We only had two days of preparations but so many Filipinos and other nationalities flocked to the venue to support our cause."

In addition to a cash donation box, 13 boxes of relief goods, including packed instant noodles, canned food, first aid kits, toothpaste, blankets and used clothes, were compiled, said Wendell Castro, the team leader of FilCom's disaster co-ordination committee.

"The response has been overwhelming," he said. "It's really an honour to serve my fellow countrymen."

The group sent Dh7,530 to the Philippine Red Cross after a similar fundraiser on December 7.

Those who wish to donate can contact Mr Castro on 055 539 8173 or at wtc.1925@yahoo.com.

rruiz@thenational.ae