“The United Nations have praised Italy, because it earmarked over 1 million euros for the Philippines even before they asked us to. But in 15 days time the Filipinos will still be needing us: let’s hope we don’t get distracted by Christmas shopping”. That was the appeal sent out by Deputy Minister Lapo Pistelli, urging Italians not to break the chain of solidarity after the terrible typhoon that has overwhelmed the Philippines.
Standing by the Filipino people, even after the emergency has lessened
“The funds allocated by the Italian Government have gone to UNICEF and to the two NGOs already in the Philippines, INTERSOS and the Red Cross”, explained Pistelli, who was speaking at a conference in Genoa. “It’s interesting to note that the campaign launched by the RAI broadcasting corporation raised 1 million euros in just a few days, and that the current accounts opened by NGOs linked to the AGIRE consortium are taking off. The Catholic Church has allocated 3 million euros to the Philippines and will be organising a special collection in parish churches next Sunday”. As Pistelli commented, “The Philippines are a long way away but a great friend to Italy. Our country has a large Filipino community, and we know them well. We need to take action in this emergency, and that’s what we’re doing. The main thing is to stand by the Philippines, even after the tension has dissipated”.
Third Italian humanitarian flight
Loading operations for a flight organised by Italian Development Cooperation begin today, 19 November, at the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) in Brindisi, run by the World Food Program (WFP). This is the third flight organised by the UNHRD network on behalf of Italian Development Cooperation, after the ones from Dubai and Malaysia. The plane will also be carrying supplies from INTERSOS, Rome City Council, Irish Aid and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Mario Baldi, the head of the Development Cooperation emergency office, will be helping.
How you can help the humanitarian assistance effort
The Filipino people need help, in many different forms. The Government is channelling its funding through INTERSOS and the AGIRE network. You can help too, by sending your donation through the following channels:
Toll Free/Freefone: 800.132.870 (Monday through Saturday 09:00 to 19:00)
On-line: Credit Card, Paypal or PagoInConto (for customers of the Intesa Sanpaolo group) at the website www.agire.it.
Bank Transfer: BancaProssima current account “AGIRE ONLUS” no. IT79 J 03359 01600 100000060696, purpose: “Emergenza Filippine”
Postal Money Order: postal payment to account no. 85593614 or current postal account money transfer made out to “AGIRE ONLUS” – IBAN: IT 79 U 07601 03200 000085593614, Via Aniene 26/A – 00198 Roma, purpose: “Emergenza Filippine”
