Almost 300 boxes packed by Filipinos in UAE for Taal eruption victims

Overseas Filipino Workers in the UAE united to assist around 200,000 families and residents who have been displaced by the recent eruption of Taal Volcano.
In Dubai, OFW volunteers got together under one roof last January 18 at the office of Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA) to pack relief goods for the victims of the calamity.
The “Tulong para sa Taal” aid drive—organized by the committee of Bayanihan Festival—saw over 100 volunteers and 16 members of the League of Freight Forwarders in the UAE repacking and organizing goods for an entire day. In an interview with The Filipino Times, the organization’s adviser Josie Conlu said the volunteers packed 281 boxes to be shipped back to the Philippines with the help of their partner freight forwarders.
Lance Japor, vice chair ng Bayanihan Festival organizing committee, also said that the support of OFWs that day was truly overwhelming.

“We did not expect the kind support that we got from our kababayans here in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (NE) during the drive. From as far as Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and other parts of NE, Filipinos and even other nationalities came to Dubai to personally give their donations and help pack the items from as early as 7 AM to 10 PM,” he said.
Japor added that the event was a success and that the spirit of “bayanihan” was greatly felt at the “Tulong para sa Taal” aid drive. “The true definition of bayanihan was present during the activity, all smiling, all ready to help. And we would like to thank everyone who became part of this drive. We will continue to do the same to help those in need,” he said.

Other drives for the victims
Filipinos from other parts of the UAE also gave their fair share in helping the displaced residents. One of them was Filipino teen of determination who collaborated with a community church in Abu Dhabi.
Lawrence de Guzman worked with Pastor Stephen Bala of Abu Dhabi’s Great Nation Church to collate over 1,200 N95 masks, as well as other donations in kind including toiletries, canned goods, sleepers, biscuits, and used clothes needed by the distressed families back home.

In addition, another Filipino community—Samahang Batangueno UAE—also did its part to make sure affected families are taken care of. This group comprising OFWs based in Batangas had coordinated with their members whose loved ones were directly affected by the calamity. They have assisted in making sure they are well and are in good condition.
Read also: We are where you are: The Filipino Times joins community aid drive for victims of Taal eruption