DUBAI: The Bayanihan spirit among Filipinos in the UAE was quite alive as groups organized a relief effort that was able to put together 19 balikbayan boxes filled with basic necessities for earthquake victims of Mindanao.
Jason Roi Bucton, vice chair of the Bayanihan Festival 2019 Organizing Committee told The Filipino Times 28 micro groups shared their donations and time in packing all 19 boxes for the victims of the recent Mindanao earthquake, with assistance from Atty. Felicitas Bay, labor attaché of the Philippine Consulate General’s Office who allowed the use of the Philippine Overseas Labor office (POLO) facilities for the activity.
“We have 2 direct barangay beneficiaries,” said Bucton, “Matti, Davao del Sur and New Israil, Makilala, North Cotabato.”
Contents of the boxes included clothes, new linen, children’s toys, household utensils, toiletries including laundry soaps, and canned goods.
Hundreds lost their homes as string earthquakes rocked parts of Mindanao in recent weeks.
