Press Release
Philippine Women Centre of B.C.
Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance

Youth come together to Raise Funds for Victims of Deadly Typhoon “Frank” in the Philippines

July 27, 2008

Vancouver, BC-- On Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20, the Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance (UKPC/FCYA) and the Philippine Women Centre (PWC) held two separate events to raise awareness and funding for the victims of the deadly typhoon “Frank” that hit central Philippines on June 21.  Proceeds from both events are contributing to the Citizens Disaster Response Centre in the Philippines, a non-governmental organization that promotes community-based disaster management in the Philippines.

On Saturday, UKPC/FCYA held their second Pinoy Poetiks of the year at Rhizome Cafe.  It was a mixture of spoken word and song with each performance having a special dedication to the people of the Philippines.  “It hit home for me because two of my uncles had to evacuate their homes in Iloilo, they woke up and their homes were flooded.” said Carlo Sayo of UKPC/FCYA.  Sayo performed two spoken word pieces for the evening. 

“I thought it was one of the best Pinoy Poetiks so far, you could really feel the unity and high energy in the room. It goes to show the amount of support the community has for those who are facing, not only, the everyday hardships back home but the hardships of trying to recover from such a disaster as typhoon frank,” said Ayex Bathan also of UKPC/FCYA.   

Sunday night was more of an informal fundraiser with just as much sentiment.  Shine Nightclub located in Gastown, Vancouver, BC, Gxotique Productions, SammieJo Productions, in collaboration with PWC were able to raise close to $500 in door and CD sales.  “Club nights are a method of fundraising within the community who don’t know the situation that Filipinos are facing.  They have fun and proceeds go to a good cause.” says Niki Silva of PWC.   Local DJ’s played the best of the best in old and new school hip hop, reggae, and R&B keeping the crowd lively all in the efforts to help the thousands of families left homeless, and hungry.  “With the government’s lack of concern for the people in her own country, it’s necessary for us as overseas Filipinos to raise these funds for our compatriots back home in any way possible.” Silva also states.

“The Arroyo government only allots 0.1% of national funds to calamity damage.” adds Sayo.  “They pump more of their money into the military leaving the many affected in the areas including Iloilo, Romblon, Capiz, Antique, and Cotabato to seek help from other sources.” 

Both the Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance and the PWC have been engaged in this type of community fundraising in direct support for the Filipino people before.  In 2006, when Leyte was hit with a massive mudslide due to heavy rain and clear cutting in the mountains close by, both groups worked with other progressive Filipino-Canadian organizations to launch a community appeal.  The organizations see this work as an important way to build direct solidarity in the community, and it encourages their fellow Filipinos to get involved.

“Without the help of Rhizome, Shine, Sammie Jo Productions and Gxotique Productions, as well as the support of those who attended the events, and even those who sent in donations directly to the PWC’s Disaster Relief Fund, we wouldn’t have been able to raise the $2000 we are sending to the Philippines.” Silva says. The events were very successful in getting the attention of the youth within Vancouver to stand up and recognize the needs of people in the Philippines. 

For those who could not attend, donations are still being accepted at the Kalayaan Centre and cheques can be mailed to 451 Powell Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1G7.  Please make cheques payable to the “Philippine Disaster Relief Fund” and signify that your donations are for “Typhoon Frank Relief Efforts”.  Donations can also be made at any Vancouver City Savings Credit Union branch to the account: “Philippine Disaster Relief Fund,” Account Number: 63487, Branch 28.

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