LAS VEGAS – Filipino Americans in Las Vegas, through the Philippine American Charity Foundation (PACF), a non-profit charitable organization in Nevada, sent funds to municipalities struck by Super Typhoon Rai, locally known as Typhoon Odette.
“We were able to raise from generous donors close to $10,000. This enabled us to buy and distribute rice and canned goods to needy families,” said Luz Micabalo, President of PACF. “Through our partners on the ground, we also provided roofing materials for temporary shelters.”
The funds aided the people of Del Carmen and Surigao City in Surigao del Norte, Loboc and Tagbilaran in Bohol, Pasol in Cebu, Puerto Princesa in Palawan. Assistance was also provided to the Pag-asa Island, the only inhabited island among the contested Spratly Islands, west of Palawan.
“It truly breaks your heart when you hear stories of people having to eat moldy rice because it was not properly stored and got wet,” said Gloria T. Caoile, co-chair of the fundraising effort.
Besides the immediate action of food distribution, PACF is involved in funding water filtration systems.
“Filipinos all over the world, and those who are members of Rotary Clubs specifically, are responding to the water filtration project. We hope our partnership with 1Filipino Foundation, a registered non-profit in the Philippines, will help the affected communities,” said Caoile
“It’s going to be a long road to recovery,” said Luz Micabalo. “PACF will do it’s best to help. Our online campaign has ended but if people still want to donate, they can send checks.”
Checks can be sent to PACF, 10705 Back Plains Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89134. n
