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'Landslide aid fund to be properly accounted for'

Consul-General Antonio S. Curameng told Khaleej Times that for purposes of proper accounting, receipts will be made out for all donations "first by the consulate-general, then again by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) in Manila, where the money will be remitted to."

A letter addressed to the Filipino community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates has also been prepared by the consulate-general and will be circulated within the six emirates as a form of appeal for aid.

"In interacting with Filipinos here since the news of the tragic calamity broke out, I have learned that there are many people who would want to help but do not know where to channel their contributions," Curameng disclosed.

In Fairmont Hotel for instance, Lilah Moukhtar, a Filipina who works as Hotel Nurse and Benefits Administrator, has initiated a fund drive among the hotel's staff. "It's not only Filipinos who responded to the call for donations. Even staff from other nationalities have given support as well," said Moukhtar, who hails from Iloilo, a province also situated in southern Philippines.

She added that Fairmont has always been supportive of charitable activities. When she mentioned to the administration her plan to raise funds for the victims in Leyte, she was given an approval to send an email to everyone in the company.

"As of the moment, we have already received pledges amounting to $1,000 but since we have set the deadline for collection until February 26, we are expecting more to come," Moukhtar explained.

A representative of a Filipino organisation, who requested anonymity, said they have also initiated their fund drive and that they are closely coordinating with the Archdiocese of Maasim in Leyte for the remittance of collection.

"We plan to send to the Archbishop of Maasim the first $2,000 that we will be able to collect but our help will not stop there because this will be a continuous campaign," the source said.

Meanwhile, Curameng stressed that all collections will be sent directly to the concerned agency in Manila.

"Nothing will happen to the donations except that it will really reach the intended recipients," Curameng said.

He added that people who would like to respond to their appeal can coordinate with the consulate through Ginia Concha or Chat Palencia not later than March 5 as they intend to send the donations in a single remittance to the NDCC by March 6. For inquiries, the consulate may be reached at telephone numbers 04-2666285 or 2669681.

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