Update on Typhoon ‘Reming’ Fundraising

Update on Typhoon ‘Reming’ Fundraising

This report covers the period since the last report of 18 December 2006 up to now. I apologize for the lateness of this report. This Christmas was especially hectic for me with relatives from all over the US descending in my home for family get together during the season.

The head of the relief distribution effort, Mary Ann P. Reynoso, was in Manila in December celebrating Christmas with family. It was both a joyous and sad occasion for Mary Ann as there was death among her relatives and so she was unable to manage the distribution of goods in Bicol and send a status report.

To continue the relief effort, I requested my nephew, Jose Ramon Samson, who lives in Naga City, to help out. He drove to Legazpi City and distributed 200 bags containing 5 kilos of rice, 500 g mongo, 2 cans of sardines and hibi to the poor families in the lower railroad side of the barrio of Tagaytay in Camalig, Albay. Mary Ann is still looking around to purchase 200 “banigs” (sleeping mats) as these are sorely needed by the families in that heavily affected area of Camalig, Albay.

Last Dec. 31, the fund received an anonymous donation of C$1,000 . The donor specified that the funds be used to assist the residents of 3 far-flung islands in Albay, namely: Cagraray, Batan Island and San Miguel. These areas have not received any aid from the government or any organizations doing relief work due to inaccessibility. I have contacted Fr. Efren “Momoy” Borromeo who agreed to administer the funds in any way he sees fit. Fr. Borromeo had previously ministered to the residents of these islands and is familiar with the needs of the residents and who needs help the most.

During this period, the Fund received the amount of P287,000. These funds will be remitted upon receipt of advice from the Fund Administrator as to how the funds will be spent. Mary Ann Reynoso will go back to Legazpi on Monday, January 8, to confer with Sr. Superior of St. Agnes Academy as to how the rest of the relief funds will be disbursed. Distribution of relief goods will resume and continue while she is in Albay.

I have received a partial spreadsheet report summarizing the disbursements that were remitted earlier. The Fund Administrator and volunteers are trying very hard to provide the reports I have required them to file, including supporting documentation. The lack of electricity for an extended period has prevented them from scanning documents such as receipts.

To all who have supported this relief effort, I say “thank you” on behalf of all those who have benefited from your generosity to-date. There is still a lot of work to be done. Thousands are pleading for help. I have received reports of families being unable to pay the tuitions of their children as they have lost everything, including their houses.

Please consider making a personal appeal to your friends and associates to make a donation of as little as $5.00 to the Fund. All donations received, in cash or cheque, no matter what the amount, will be listed in our List of Donors at www.milamagno.com/TyphoonReming/donors. Donations can be made anonymously, if desired. Please forward this link: www.typhoonreming.info, to people you know and ask them to consider making a donation.

Mila Alvarez Magno
www.typhoonreming.info

(PRESS RELEASE)