– Paris, France/9 Nov. – Kababaihang Rizalista, Inc. Paris Chapter celebrated its 5th Foundation Day and Induction Ceremony of new members headed by Chapter President, Lady Noralyn Quinay. KRI Cote D’Azur Chapter, Modena Chapter Italy, Advisor & Coordinator For Europe Lady Jane Mushake from Berlin, Germany, Brussels Chapter Belgium headed by Lady Celanie Francisco, Regional Commander for Europe Sir Rudy Nollas, Lady Jemmie Rose Lumibao, Lady Ligaya Nacua and Sir Joe Perez also graced the event. Later, they discussed how to extend help to the victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan or locally known as Yolanda.

– A concert for a cause will be held on 23 November headed by Lady Marie Josée Verbelen which will be supported by different Filipino communities in Belgium. Meanwhile, Ms. Adela Lulu, a former US Embassy employee in Brussels who recently returned to Cavite City, Philippines also started a fund drive with the help of her High School classmates to help the victims. 

– Read the Message from the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso to the President of the Philippines, Benigno Simeon Aquino III. “It was with great emotion and sadness that I learned about the effects of Typhoon Haiyan which resulted in very extensive loss of lives and destruction. On behalf of the European Commission and on my own behalf, I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to you Mr President and the people of Philippines. Please convey my expression of deepest sympathy and solidarity to the families of the victims and all those affected by this calamity. The European Commission has already sent a team to assist the Philippine authorities and we stand ready to contribute with urgent relief and assistance if so required in this hour of need.” (Posted by Philippine Embassy Brussels)

– Read the Statement on Typhoon Haiyan by Kristalina Georgieva, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response. “We have all watched and listened with awe at reports of the destructive progress of Typhoon Haiyan as it made landfall in the Philippines. This year has seen an exceptionally active tropical storm period in the region with eleven typhoons in the last two months. It is still too soon to establish Haiyan’s impact but daylight will inevitably bring news of widespread devastation.

The European Commission has sent a team to the Philippines to support the Government in assessing the damage that Haiyan – known locally as Yolanda – has caused. Our experts on the ground and in the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) in Brussels are closely monitoring the situation. Deployment for field assessments to affected areas from Manila will commence as soon as local communications are restored. Additional staff will be deployed from our regional office in Bangkok if required.

At this stage I want to commend the authorities for their preparations for this super typhoon, including the evacuation of vulnerable people and the pre-positioning of life-saving materials. The European Union, which has already provided 42.7 million euros in disaster relief since 1997 to the Philippines and nearly eight million euros in disaster preparedness, stands ready to assist if required.” (Posted by Philippine Embassy Brussels)

– European citizens are extending their sincerest sympathy to the people of the Philippines during this very difficult times.

Our prayers for all the victims. Be strong and never give up! We will survive this tragedy!