Filipinos and Saudis unite to help typhoon victims

(MENAFN- Arab News) Filipino organizations across the Kingdom, with the support of Saudis, have banded together to raise funds, food and clothing for the victims of the typhoon Yolanda, or Haiyan, which struck large parts of the Philippines on Nov. 8. According to the Philippine Official Gazette, there are now 4.33 million people displaced in the worst affected areas. More than 4,000 people died, while 1,602 are still missing. In Riyadh, a group of Filipinos, mostly nurses from King Faisal Hospital, King Saud University and Riyadh Medical Center, organized a gathering on Friday to help collect aid for their fellow nationals. Muthadz J. Latip, a researcher at King Saud University and the head organizer, told Arab News that the group would hold several such events. They hope to send their first aid consignment to the Philippines on Dec. 8. He said a medical mission from King Faisal Hospital would take over the aid on flights supported by Saudi Arabian Airlines. Latip, who also asked his friends to help out, said there were also nurses from Kingdom Hospital, King Khaled University Hospital, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and King Fahd Hospital involved in the campaign. Various private businesses have also got involved including Blue Ribbon Restaurant and Bakeshop, Al-Othaim Markets, Nutrition and Diet Center, Pizza Hut Company and Pandior Bakeshop. Other organizations lent a helping hand including Shutters Guild, VSR Group, AKBT-Kabayan, FilVar Group, FAPS, The Samaritans and Triskelion Alumni Organization € Central Region Council. Volunteers are packing the aid at private residences during their free time and on weekends. Marcus Francisco, a volunteer, said several "generous" Saudis and Filipinos are supporting the campaign to collect aid for the victims of the typhoon. Ramon Payaoan and Jess Garcia, two lead volunteers, thanked everyone for helping their country at this difficult time.