MANILA, Philippines - The Filipino community in Laos raised $15,045 for the benefit of Laos-based overseas Filipino workers whose families were affected by super typhoon Yolanda.
Philippine Ambassador to Laos Maria Lumen Isleta, along with representatives of the fundraisers group handed over the cash assistance to the beneficiaries in a simple ceremony at the Philippine Embassy last year.
Twenty Filipinos in Laos whose families were affected by the typhoon were endorsed by their employers, religious and civic groups. Five had already returned to the Philippines.
In her message to the beneficiaries, Isleta said she hoped the cash assistance would help them and their families back home in rebuilding their houses and their lives after the disaster. She also thanked the fundraisers for devoting time to help their fellow Filipinos.
The Filipino community fundraisers group was represented by Dr. Bernadette Gonzales and Joel Wayne Ganibe of Intem Philippines, and Srs. Milagros Azucena and Corazon Jegillo of the Daughters of Charity. Other Filipino community members of the fundraisers group were Erwin Balanay, Simon Valenzuela and Bro. Carlo Bacalla.