Story URL: http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=144917
Story Retrieval Date: 2/9/2010 8:30:19 PM CST
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Photo courtesy of Jason Dela Cruz
The 3 Doves Foundation and T.I.B.O.S Events teamed up with the city government of Tatay, Rizal, to distribute more than 2,500 bags of food. Rizal was one of the areas most devastated by Typhoons Ketsana and Parma that hit the Philippines six weeks ago.
Filipinos in Chicago say Philippines still needs help
by Lahaina Mae B. Mondonedo
Nov 05, 2009
Upcoming fundraising events
1) KAPWA
Art-focused gala event featuring dinner, music, performances of local theater groups and a silent auction. 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Jose P. Rizal Heritage Center, 1332 W Irving Park Rd., Chicago. For inquiries and ticket prices call Taylor Bibat ( 773-750-2097 )
2) Relief for Asia
This event will showcase ethnic dance and musical performances, martial arts, cultural workshops and ethnic foods. Proceeds will benefit victims of the tropical storms that recently swept across Southeast Asia. 1-8 p.m. Nov. 28 at St. Thomas the Apostle Gymnasium, 1500 Brookdale, Naperville. For more information call Rex Delson ( 630-514-6319 )
Six weeks after Tropical Storms Ketsana and Parma hit Southeast Asia, Filipino groups in Chicago say the Philippines is still in need of relief.
“Food is still an issue right now since a lot of people lost everything,” said Jason Dela Cruz, founder of the 3 Doves Foundation, one of several local groups active in relief efforts.
The 3 Doves foundation partnered with Aris Topacio, founder of T.I.B.O.S. Events, to raise $3,000 and gather more than 2,500 bags of food, which were distributed to displaced families in the hardest-hit areas of Manila. After holding two fundraising events, they said they plan to organize at least one more.
“We try our best,” said Dela Cruz, “but relief is slow.”
Edgar Jimenez, president of the Filipino American Network, said even if the efforts are slow, help has to be continuous.
“It’s sad because people think everything is OK since some money was already raised,” Jimenez said. “It’s never going to be enough.”
The Filipino American Network aims to foster awareness of the Filipino heritage among younger generations of Filipino-Americans. The organization is encouraging younger Filipinos in Chicago to help with the relief efforts. Jimenez said they are still looking for more ways to raise money.
Consul General Blesila Cabrera of the Consulate General of the Philippines Chicago said the Filipinos in Chicago and friends of the community are still planning numerous fundraisers and seeking donations in cash and goods.
“They still need our help,” she said in her native tongue.
This calamity has also encouraged Filipino-American groups to unify their efforts to help current victims and create a coordinated network for future disasters.
“The Philippines is prone to typhoons, floods, earthquakes,” said Dale Asis, executive director of the Global Coalition for Humanitarian Efforts –Philippines. “We need a better, more efficient way to give aid.”
Asis is consulting with Filipino organizations across the US to establish a disaster-response network. Global Coalition, whose office is on North Halsted, raised $200,000 worth of food and $20,000 in cash to be sent to the Philippines.
“Unfortunately, the Filipinos are fragmented,” Asis said. “It’s good to have diversity but not in the face of adversity.”
Tropical Storm Ketsana hit the Philippines on Sept. 26 with Typhoon Parma following less than a week later. Ketsana caused the country’s worst flooding in four decades, killing more than 200 people and displacing thousands of families.
