– Cash donations from international community reaches now to 4 Billion pesos plus tons of relief goods, water, blankets, toiletries, medicines, kitchen materials and medical equipments.

– Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Office in Brussels, Belgium is still trying to make contact with their compatriots in the Philippines after the typhoon. Nearly 800 Belgians are living permanently in the country. Thirty Belgians were located in the most affected areas, says Joren Vandeweyer, spokesman of Foreign Affairs. Yesterday evening, about twenty Belgians were located. Foreign Minister Didier Reynders emphasized that Belgium has a satellite connection in the area, making contact and exchange of information easier. Last Sunday, a call center was opened and relatives of persons in the Philippines can contact the FPS Foreign Affairs at this number: (+32) 02.501.40.00.

The Minister also mentioned that B-FAST (Belgian First Aid and Support Team) has arrived in Tacloban around 3 am today headed by Geert Gijs, team leader of B-FAST though half of the Belgian workers and most of their stuff is still stuck at Cebu airport. Reporter Peter Huyberechts mentioned that the big problem is that the Airbus which the Belgians fly cannot easily land in Tacloban. The plane is heavily loaded and the damaged runway is too short .

– Europeans and Filipinos through different organizations are working together to collect donations and goods to be sent to the Philippines. They believe that this is a long-term effort of sending help and support until the typhoon victims are fully recovered.

Let us continue praying for our fellow Filipinos to have more faith, patience and courage while we are with them in their most difficult times.