THE call to help typhoon stricken communities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces resound in Bohol as government and the civil society launch massive relief drives for the purpose.
Governor Erico Aumentado, who initially gave P200,000 for relief has also designated the office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (OPSWD) as the relief hub for all government sourced donations.
Unconfirmed sources added that donations collected here would be sent directly to the National Relief Operations Center in Malacanang prior to its distribution to stricken communities in manila and nearby flooded provinces.
After the massive flooding that submerged most parts of Metro Manila, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has temporarily converted Malacanang as national relief operations center early this week.
The move was made to augment the relief operations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the typhoon victims, reports said.
Here in Bohol, radio station DyRD / Bohol Chronicle launched with the Diocese of Tagbilaran its own fund and relief goods raising for victims of storm Ondoy.
Immediately after Bishop Leonardo Medroso appealed for support on the air, donations flooded and calls for cash pledges swarmed the lines.
To maximize on the efforts, sources said Rev Fr. Warli Salise of the Bohol Social Action Center is now coordinating with the parishes to gather all donations before it could be simultaneously sent to Manila Thursday next week.
Reports have also conformed that the initial donations would be shipped to Manila, care of Negros Navigation.
But with the apparent immediate need of dry clothing and other usable stuff, the country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, through the PAL Foundation is also offering to airlift goodies consigned to relief organizations in Manila.
With the development, Capitol, through retired Lt. Col. Raul Mendez urged kindhearted Boholanos to immediately send their donations to the OPSWD for quick shipment to Manila.
Cash donations pooled in the drives would accordingly be coursed through Caritas. (PIA)
