Philippine typhoon stirs wave of charity

Yet another major storm strikes the Philippines as Hawaii donors raise $8,000 for Durian relief

About $8,000 has been raised so far in Hawaii for victims of Typhoon Durian in the Philippines.

A radio-thon was held yesterday and another fundraising drive is scheduled for today at Loulen's Restaurant in Kalihi.

Yesterday's fundraiser, broadcast from the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu on KNDI 1270 AM radio, raised more than $2,000 in three hours, organizers said.

HOW TO HELP Tax-deductible donations addressed to the Filipino Community Center can be dropped off at Loulen's Restaurant, 1125 N. King St., in Kalihi from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. today. Donations can also be dropped off or mailed to the Filipino Community Center at 94-428 Mokuola St., Suite 302, Waipahu, HI 96797 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The Bicol Club, an organization representing people from the Bicol region in the Philippines where the typhoon struck, is organizing the effort. They are asking for monetary donations, which can be dispersed more quickly than donated goods.

"We're appealing to the masses. We're just happy they're coming to help," said J.P. Orias, a Bicol Club member.

Organizers hope to raise $25,000 for the Albay province southeast of Manila, where more than 1,200 people died or are missing after mudslides caused by the typhoon.

"There's not much we can do with the dead. People's concern is the younger people, especially the orphans. It's not just the food or shelter," said Toy Arre, president of the Filipino Community Center, which has become the central hub for receiving donations.

Even as funds are being raised for Typhoon Durian, Typhoon Utor pounded the Philippines yesterday.

Utor, packing sustained winds of 75 mph, made landfall in the town of Guiuan in Eastern Samar province.

Utor's track indicated it could hit the popular island resort of Boracay before blowing farther west toward the South China Sea.

Fernando Gonzales, governor of the Albay province, said about 15,000 people from a dozen villages were ordered evacuated to temporary shelters in government buildings, schools and churches until the storm passed.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council in Manila said more than 100,000 people already were at evacuation centers following last week's typhoon.

The money raised in Hawaii will go to two nonprofit groups in the Philippines: Gawad Kalinga, a housing and livelihood organization, and Feed the Hungry, Arre said. The organizations already have a network and will be able to immediately disperse the aid.

So far this year, the Fil-Com Center has helped with three fundraisers in response to natural disasters in the Philippines, including raising $80,000 for survivors of a landslide in Leyte that killed about 1,800.

"We would be happy with $25,000 -- whatever we can to do good," Arre said.

"People are always very compassionate about less fortunate people, especially people hurt by natural calamities. Whatever they will share, they will share."

---