Dear friends,

“The devastation caused by the recent typhoons and flooding in the Philippines requires immediate relief and long term rehabilitation work.”This is the message relayed to us by Migrante Sectoral Party and Migrante International in their appeal for support to maintain Operation Sagip Migrante.

Operation Sagip started relief and humanitarian work at dawn of 27th of September right after Typhoon Ondoy hit the Central provinces of Luzon Island, Philippines a day before. Their relief operations ranged from assisting in the rescue operations, setting up soup and taho (silk tofu) kitchens at the evacuation centres and makeshift temporary accommodations, distributing rice, groceries and clothing, locating and re-uniting families separated by the calamity, temporary shelter and many other support and relief activities.

Within a week another typhoon hit the Philippines. Typhoon Pepeng hit the Northern part of Luzon. This typhoon may not be as strong as Ondoy but the massive downpour of rain caused landslides and floods especially in mining areas. To date, there are more than 600 people reported dead, thousands of families are still in the evacuation and temporary shelters, and about 200,000 were worse affected.

The outpouring of support from friends and supporters is heartwarming. Two days after we received the appeal, Migrante Melbourne was able to send $1,000 dollars to Migrante International. We continue receiving donations and to date member organizations of Migrante Australia had already sent more than $8,300 (P341,000) donations. From Melbourne alone we contributed $4,000.00 and hope to send another one thousand dollars by next week. Migrante International reports that each $1,000 donation means 400 food parcels containing 1-2 kilos of rice, canned goods, toiletries and one bottle of water each.

There are also donations in goods and services such as blankets and clothing and free freight to the Philippines. Members of our organizations and friends also help organized solicitation drives in their work areas.

While we mourn the loss of many lives and are saddened by the devastation and unwanted social and economic effects wrought by these calamities to so many Filipinos who are already poor and suffering, we are also deeply touched by the warm response of Filipinos and friends here in Australia.

If there were any differences and misunderstanding these were set aside, as we rushed selfless and urgent support to our “kababayans” in need.

There were many donors who deposited to Migrante Melbourne’s account without even mentioning their names. We were unable to send acknowledgement or thank them personally. Others donated through pay pal while others gave cash or cheques.

On behalf of Migrante Melbourne, a member organization of Migrante International and Migrante Australia, I express my sincere thanks to all donors and supporters of this relief and humanitarian operation Operation Sagip Migrante.

Please visit Migrante’s website at www.migrante.org.au for updates and news. We also have a regular publication called “Batingaw”. If you wish to receive this by either electronic transmission or hard copy, send us an email or letter.

Thank you very much for sharing what you have to those who are in need.

Sincerely yours,

Stephanie Rabusa
Secretary
Migrante Melbourne