Relief and rehabilitation fund drive for Ondoy victims

Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Chairman Senator Richard J. Gordon shows to Singaporean Ambassador A Selverajah (left) and Korean Ambassador Choi Joong Kyung (right) a replica of the houses built by the PNRC for victims of disasters, which have already reached over 15,000 homes in different parts of the country. The two ambassadors visited Gordon at the PNRC national headquarters to give donations for victims of Typhoon “Ondoy”.

To concentrate on his humanitarian work as chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Senator Richard J. Gordon (Ind.) has cancelled his trip to Geneva.

Gordon, who is also a member of the governing board of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), was set to leave today (Sept. 29) for Geneva to attend the IFRC board meeting.

However, after the onslaught of Typhoon "Ondoy", which devastated Metro Manila and some parts of Central and Southern Luzon, the senator cancelled his trip to be at the helm of the PNRC's rescue and relief efforts for the victims of the disaster.

"We always have to think of our country and our people first. It is during these times of disasters that each and every one of us should work together as a nation to help our fellow Filipinos who are in dire need of our assistance and support," Gordon said.

"Alleviating human suffering and uplifting human dignity through volunteerism--that is what the Red Cross stands for. And we want to assure everyone that the Philippine National Red Cross is working hard to reach out to as many victims, especially to the most vulnerable of our countrymen," he added.

It can be recalled that in July 2008, Gordon skipped a trip to the United States (US) with other government officials led by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be able to attend to the needs of the victims of Typhoon "Frank"..

Meanwhile, the PNRC chairman has made an appeal for donations, assistance, and support from both local and international communities for the relief and rehabilitation work of the country's premier humanitarian organization.

Gordon expressed gratitude to the companies, organizations and institutions in the country and to the private citizens who have already donated or have pledged donations to the PNRC.

Donations and assistance from the international community have also started pouring in, including $30,000 from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and $10,000 from the People's Republic of China. The US government has provided $50,000 worth of rubber boats and has pledged an additional donation of $50,000.

On Tuesday, a check amounting to $50,000 from Mr. Lee Soo Young, Chairman and chief executive officer of OCI Company Ltd. from Korea, coursed through Korean Ambassador Choi Joong Kyung, was turned over to Gordon.

Singaporean Ambassador A Selverajah also handed over $20,000 worth of relief items as initial donation from the Singaporean government.