Reason to Give

Accenture, an IT company based in Makati and Ortigas responded to the call of MFPI for assistance to the bursted dike and flooding victims of Mindoro by raising at least over 50 bags and boxes consisting of 3 25 kilos of rice, at least over 5 cases of instant noodles, several cases of canned goods, clothes, shoes and other items in plastic bags. Goods were systematically collected from their 6 installation offices spread out mostly in the Makati Business District. They were neatly packed and identified for easy distribution. This noble undertaking at Accenture was initiated by their senior officer Mr. Benjie Madolin who is an individual member of the MFPI. A junior employee and a resident of Calapan, Wendell Custodio helped promote the solicitation along with his colleagues Alex Ocampo and other team members.

What they turned over to MFPI needed a dedicated van to transport them all. Their donation filled to capacity a pick up and will most likely need seven tricycles to complete the transfer in the HALMS center in Calapan. To show how dedicated they were, they even manned the turn-over to HALMS early morning of Saturday, a day before Christmas. Alex Ocampo rode on the Roro where the goods were given revenue free transport courtesy of the shipping lines and the local disaster units.

From Wendel and Alex’s accounts, HALMS representatives received the contribution and quickly sorted them out at their center where the bags multiplied a hundred fold. Contributions from other unidentified donors arranged by Mr. Manny Yu have previously been allocated for dispatch earlier.

Truly the recipients of the goods contributed by Accenture and by the other unidentified donors and volunteers will not only get temporary relief but some warm glow this damp Christmas. Through HALMS, the local government units and residents, these goods will not only go along way but will reach to far flung places in Mindoro. We leave it to our Calapan sponsors who know best the needing recipients.

Christmas last year, we were dampened by the flooding in Quezon and Baler. This Christmas, it was Mindoro, Palawan and Bicol. These incidents deliver a powerful message. They remind us that we, living in the comforts of our homes are a blessed lot. It is but proper that we give and help. Still, there is Christmas. Most of us have a lot to be thankful for this season. Maligayang Pasko po!

Chito Razon 24 Dec 2005

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Dear MFPI members and friends,

Over the weekend, we received urgent appeal from Halms for the flood victims of Calapan and Oriental Mindoro. Another downpour of heavy rains submerged these areas even deeper into flood waters.

A total of 1,666 families or 7,878 persons are still staying at the 31 evacuation centers in Calapan City and municipalities of Pola, Victoria and Naujan, 1,292 of whom are children.

We are appealing to all for your generosity during this season of sharing and hope. Due to logistical challenges, we encourage cash donations. However food, medicine, and used clothes are also very welcome. Further, we are also looking for parties who can lend their vehicles to transport these goods from Manila to Batangas City.

Regie Pablo is currently coordinating with Halms, Batangas Backpackers and the different NGO partners of MFPI in this drive. Dodi Principe will be heading the actual relief goods transportation and distribution in Mindoro.

Mark Murcia is in charge of volunteer recruitment and deployment to Mindoro. For now, we are requesting for 10 volunteers who can be deployed on Dec 22 and return by Dec 24. All interested volunteers, please get in touch with Mark via mobile no. 09178414614.

I will be coordinating the relief goods solication and collection. There will be 2 relief goods drop-off centers:

1. Unit 2 Ground Floor, Midland Mansions, Benevidez St., Legaspi Village, Makati. Look for fellow mountaineer, Edison Sismundo.
2. We will be at the Pioneer Grill patio area on wednesday/Dec. 21 from 7:00-10:00 pm to accept volunteers and relief goods.

As this is a continuous effort until these areas recover, all parties outside Metro Manila who wish to help may send their support to Unit 2 Ground Floor, Midland Mansions, Benevidez St., Legaspi Village, Makati.

Thank you all!
Manny Yu