Camarines Norte disaster relief

Camarines Norte disaster relief

Hundreds of flood victims in the 7 towns in Camarines Norte, one of the six provinces in the Bicol Region, were recent beneficiaries of cash contributions and in-kind donations from several organizations and individuals in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario. The Tagalog- Bikol speaking residents of the province, bordered by the provinces of Quezon to the North and Camarines Sur in the Southwest, suffered loss of lives, displaced families, property damages, and agricultural destruction due to the devastating run-off floods from Mount Labo on November 29th, 2008.

The Camarines Norte Association Canada- Ontario ( CNAC-O) , a year old province- based community organization, rightfully responded with a fund raising drive in the Filipino Canadian community. CNAC-O, headed by its president, Tony A. San Juan made a public appeal for donations through Jess Cabrias’s Talakayan Radyo Pilipino , the Philippine Reporter and other community papers.With concerted efforts from its officers and members, CNAC-O is able to raise a total cash donation of C$ 3,670 from many generous individuals and organizations including its members’ network of friends, work / business colleagues, and family members.

The solicited cash donations were remitted and received through the Provincial Bishop, Most Reverend Gilbert Garcera, D.D. Additionally, CNAC-O shipped on January 2nd, 2009 five door-to-door boxes containing non- perishable stuffs like canned goods, new and used clothings, goodies and other useful items.

CNAC-O is expressing its heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to all those who have made valuable financial contributions,extended admirable support, expressed compassionate wishes and benevolent gestures as well in helping alleviate the sufferings of the calamity victims.The collective response was indeed “a show of our much- valued Bayanihan spirit in action”, San Juan appreciatively described the very encouraging communal experience.

Jennifer S. J. MacLean
PRESS RELEASE