After mentioning some things about super-typhoon Haiyan in the November 2013 PAMI newsletter, I am happy to let you know a couple encouraging addendums.
For one thing, Pastor Randy Rivera’s electricity in Allen, Northern Samar was finally restored after 25 days, so he was able to resume his daily radio programs. For another thing, we praise God how PAMI supporters like yourselves have so far given over $1600 designated to typhoon relief. In turn, we have been able to authorize Pastor Randy to buy and deliver three batches of help ($500 delivered early Dec, $600 delivered early Jan, and $575 to be delivered in February). By the way, when Pastor Randy mentioned on his radio program about the second batch of typhoon relief, local people of Allen also contributed towards the effort, such that the $600 turned into about $1300. Isn’t it wonderful how Filipinos also pitched in to more than match the help to their fellow countrymen in need! It’s kind of like how the loaves and fishes were multiplied when Jesus wanted to feed the 5000.
Whereas the first batch of relief included 53 bags, this second batch of relief included 225 bags (with heavier bags this time). Whereas the first batch was small enough to be transported with just two motorcycles, this second batch was much larger and needed to be transported by jeepney to Marabut, and then by barge to a nearby island. Pastor Randy wanted this second batch to go to a nearby island because that’s an out-of-the-way place that hasn’t received as much aid as other places.
Here’s Pastor Randy’s report:
WE RECEIEVED FROM PAMI THE AMOUNT OF PHP 26,310
WE RECEIVED FROM OUR RADIO LISTENERS THE AMOUNT OF PHP 30,640
TOTAL PHP 56,950
EVERY FAMILY RECEIVED:
2 KILOS OF RICE
3 CANS OF SARDINES
8 PIECES OF NOODLES
AND SOME OF THEM WILL RECEIVED USED CLOTHES
TOTAL BENIFICIARIES IS:
225 families
Some of the Military man in that Island helping us on relief distribution and they gave us security while we are stay on that Island, And because our relief goods are limited the Barrio official gave us an advice to select only those seriously affected. And after we identify them we invite to those family to go to Barangay hall because that is the advice of the Barangay Captain to avoid jealousy to other family who are not receiving the relief goods. We use the Barangay hall as a place to distribute our relief goods.
The 225 families (beneficiaries) are very Happy and they extend their thanks to PAMI people because they need food because their livelihood is lost. Most of the family in that place they eat once or twice a day.
Thank you for the PAMI Boards and donors to extend our relief goods for the second rounds and also I thank to our Radio Listeners who respond for my announcements that we have a second round relief operation. Glory to God.
