Hacked emails put Beckham’s Typhoon Yolanda charity work in spotlight: report

Football celebrity David Beckham allegedly told the UNICEF through one of his staff that he shouldn't be shouldering the expenses connected to charity work benefiting the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) in 2013, according to hacked emails reported by British media.

"I totally agree to be honest there's no way it should be costing me anything," Beckham allegedly said in one of the conversations about a trip he made to Tacloban, Leyte, in 2014, as reported by the Mirror on Monday.

A UNICEF statement defended Beckham, saying he had given "significant personal funds" to the charity.

Beckham was hit by a media onslaught on Monday after a series of hacked emails made public raised questions over his charity work.

A staple of British gossip and style columns, Beckham, 41, came under attack from newspapers after emails he allegedly sent were disclosed by the website "Football Leaks". A spokeswoman for Beckham said the emails had been taken out of context and doctored.

Among them was his foul-mouthed reaction when he found out he was not going to be knighted and his reluctance to donate his own money to a charity project.

The leaks fly in the face of his "man of the people" public image.

Known by the nickname "Golden Balls", the east-London born midfielder shot to fame with Manchester United thanks to his expert free-kick taking and crossing ability. He won six Premier League titles and one Champions League, when Manchester United won the "treble" in 1999.

He is the third most-capped England international, and has global appeal having played for Spain's Real Madrid and U.S. team L.A. Galaxy. He became as famous off the pitch as he was on it, marrying "Posh Spice" singer Victoria Adams in 1999.

Beckham told the BBC in a special radio appearance last month that he stayed with Victoria for love rather than to protect "brand Beckham".

However, the leaked emails portray a star who carefully maintained his image and who was tetchy when he did not get his way. His spokeswoman said the emails were misleading.

"This story is based on outdated material taken out of context from hacked and doctored private emails from a third party server and gives a deliberately inaccurate picture," she said in a statement.

Reuters was not able to verify the source of the emails independently.

Many tabloid newspapers that had helped to propel his fame were unrelenting in their criticism of him on Monday.

The Daily Mail dedicated four pages to the "shame of Saint Becks," and the affair has been dubbed "Beckileaks" in the British media, although the Daily Mirror said that Beckham had been a victim of a "blackmail plot to shame footie hero".

Much of the outrage has centred around Beckham's work with the UNICEF children's charity. The leaked emails suggested that Beckham had billed it for a flight which he didn't need to take, and was reluctant to contribute his own money to the charity.

UNICEF said it could not comment on the emails, but defended Beckham's contribution.

"As well as generously giving his time, energy and support to help raise awareness and funds for UNICEF's work for children, David has given significant funds personally," it said in a statement.

— With reports from Reuters' Alistair Smout

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Anne Curtis is new UNICEF celebrity advocate

TACLOBAN CITY -- Actress and TV host Anne Curtis is UNICEF's newly appointed celebrity advocate for children.

Curtis spent two days visiting parts of Leyte, where she saw the recovery operations in areas hit by Typhoon Yolanda. She also spent time interacting with children and their families.

"I am honored to join UNICEF on this very fulfilling and meaningful trip. I am deeply touched by how children and families have coped and are building back their lives. Clearly, significant progress have been achieved. Talking to children and their families, and being able to bring smiles to their faces is something I will remember for the rest of my life," she said.

As a donor and supporter of UNICEF, Curtis said she is glad to see that the funds have reached and worked for children who are in need.

While in Leyte, Curtis supported emergency response and visited a maternal health care ward in the regional hospital, an immunization site, a child friendly space at a temporary housing site, and educational facilities such as day care centers and elementary schools.

In every site she visited, the "It's Showtime" host took the time to talk with children and families.

"I played with children in a child-friendly space and a day care center. I read books to them and helped them draw in an arts and crafts session. I washed hands with school children and participated in their song and dance number," she shared.

"It was heartwarming to listen to mothers, children and young people. It is important that people know these stories, understand how communities are recovering and what we can do to help."

As a UNICEF celebrity advocate for children, Curtis will focus on promoting Early Childhood Care & Development. She will also help in mobilizing support and resources for the most vulnerable children and families, those living in abject poverty, are affected by violence, abuse, exploitation, and particularly in emergency and conflict situations.

Curtis has been a supporter of UNICEF since 2009.

"We trust that with her popularity and large following, Anne will play a significant role in drawing due attention to issues affecting the most vulnerable, marginalized and underserved children," said UNICEF Philippines representative Lotta Sylwander.

In the Philippines, Curtis joins UNICEF national ambassador Gary Valenciano and UNICEF special advocate for children Daphne Paez in upholding UNICEF’s mandate to protect and promote the rights of children worldwide.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Cyclone could cancel Pope's Leyte visit, says exec

MANILA – A member of the Papal Visit Executive Committee said bad weather may force the cancellation of Pope Francis' visit to Leyte.

Ambassador Marciano Paynor, member of the Papal Visit Executive Committee, said the approaching cyclone east of the Visayas-Mindanao region has cast uncertainty on the pope's January 17 visit to Yolanda-ravaged Tacloban.

''Talagang hindi natin masasabi, pero siyempre ang pinaka (concern) nga is iyung weather ho,'' Paynor told dzMM.

''Kung masyadong malakas ang ulan o hangin, hindi pwedeng mag-landing ang eroplano sa Tacloban. Iyun ang pwedeng makaapekto. Pero pinag-darasal natin na huwag mangyari iyon."

The pope's visit to the typhoon-stricken region is considered the most important part of his visit to the Philippines, which carries the theme ''Mercy and Compassion''.

The pope is scheduled to celebrate Mass at the Tacloban airport, considered the ground zero for Yolanda, and have lunch with 30 survivors of the super typhoon and the destructive Bohol earthquake.

Cyclone
State weather bureau PAGASA said a tropical depression was spotted 1,610 kilometers east of Mindanao as of 4 a.m.

The tropical depression was packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and was moving west northwest at 19 kph.

PAGASA weather forecaster Jori Loiz told dzMM that the tropical depression will enter the Philippine area of responsibility between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, at which point it will be locally named ''Amang''.

Loiz said the cyclone might re-curve due to the high pressure area. He, however, said even if the cyclone re-curves, it's trough or outer cloudbands will still bring rains over Visayas and Mindanao.

PAGASA said by Friday (January 16), Tacloban City will experience light rains as the tropical cyclone moves closer to the country.

By Saturday (January 17), light to moderate rains and moderate to strong winds will prevail over Tacloban and thunderstorms are likely to occur.

People surge
Meanwhile, Pasig Bishop Mylo Vergara, head of the media committee for the papal visit to the Philippines, said people who want to bring children to any of the papal events in the Philippines, especially in the pope's mass in Luneta, should not be discouraged from doing so.

''Everyone should go. I think even some elderlies are excited to go there. There will be persons with disbailities who would be attending the mass, so why not?" he told ANC's Headstart.

Citing the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene, Vergara noted the Philippines is no stranger to events that see a large number of people converging in one place.

''Ang poong nazareno happens every year. It is something that we look forward to. It is always asked of me, are you afraid of the people surge? Eh people surge na yung poong nazareno hindi ba? And things fall into place afterwards. We do the best in security, in management of the crowd,'' he said.

Nearly 40,000 soldiers and police are being deployed to protect the pontiff during his five-day trip to the Philippines, a majority Catholic nation where attempts have been made to kill visiting popes twice before.

"For this year, this will be the greatest security nightmare that we can have," Philippine military chief General Gregorio Catapang said as he readied his troops for the pontiff's arrival.

Authorities have stated the huge crowds of devout Catholics are their main worry, with up to six million people expected for a mass in Manila on Sunday. – with Agence France-Presse

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Daniel, mom honored as 'Yolanda heroes'

MANILA – Kapamilya actor Daniel Padilla and his mother, former actress Karla Estrada, were among those honored at the “Handumanan: Pasasalamat sa mga Bayani ng Haiyan,” which was held last Friday at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

The recognition was for their efforts in reaching out to the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda when it battered some parts of the country in November last year.

In an interview with “The Buzz” which was aired on Sunday, Padilla said it is overwhelming when other people honor your efforts in helping those affected by the super typhoon.

“Masarap ang pakiramdam. Tumutulong ka na may award ka pa,” he said.

Last June, Padilla and Estrada mounted a free concert in Tacloban to bring happiness to those who were devastated by Yolanda.

“Plinano naming mag-ina 'yung concert para mapasaya namin ang mga kababayan namin and ito lahat galing sa aming dalawa lang talaga. Siyempre mayroong mga tumulong sa atin but this is a free concert para sa mga victims ng Yolanda all over Region 8 na gaganapin natin sa grandstand sa Tacloban City,” Estrada said in a past interview.

Both said they wanted to entertain the people in Tacloban City so they could somehow forget the pain and hardships they are going through.

According to an article by Star Cinema, the Handumanan event “aimed to honor all the good Samaritans on the aftermath of Yolanda.”

The project is part of former Senator Panfilo Lascon’s task as a rehabilitation czar for the Haiyan Disaster Governance Initiative.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Esquire explains Mar cover photo on 'Yolanda' issue

MANILA - Esquire Philippines magazine finally cleared the air about its "Yolanda" issue cover photo featuring Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas after it drew flak from social media users.

Esquire posted on Facebook a copy of the cover of its latest issue last Thursday. The cover photo shows Roxas smiling, waving his hand while sitting on piles of wood. The caption beside the photo reads: "Hello from Tacloban."





Facebook users, especially those from the "Yolanda"-hit city of Tacloban, quickly reacted to the Esquire cover photo, calling it an "insult" and a "sick joke."

"Are you mocking us Taclobanons by putting that man's face on the cover?" asked Cecile Therese Dueñas.

"Is this a sick joke? You bring this cover to Leyte and we will burn it," warned Neil Warren Chu.

"The Warays will use the cover as toilet paper," Prospero Pulma added.

In response, Esquire on Sunday released a statement on Facebook, explaining their choice of cover the issue dedicated to "dignify the memory of those lost, and the pain of those left behind in Tacloban City."

The magazine said its writers and photographers revisited Tacloban in order to present the tragedy that are still ongoing after "Yolanda" and to also "sift the facts" on the government's response.

"Secretary Mar Roxas is on the cover as a symbol of the national government response. Nothing less or more. We were certainly not paid or persuaded to put him on the cover. (The photo itself was taken a year ago, at the Tacloban port; this was not from a specially arranged Esquire shoot and is not to be misconstrued as an endorsement.)" it said.

Esquire further explained that their goal in the "Yolanda" issue is to draw attention to the situation in Tacloban.



Last year, just weeks after "Yolanda" hit central Philippines, Roxas drew flak when he was caught on video telling Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, "You have to understand, you are a Romualdez and the President is an Aquino."

Roxas, in defense, said the clip was spliced and it was trying to deceive people.

After the incident, he and Romualdez engaged in word war which eventually ended at a Congressional Oversight Committee on the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management hearing.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Prayers, tears in Philippines one year after super typhoon

TACLOBAN, Philippines - Survivors of the strongest typhoon ever to hit land descended on mass graves Saturday to mark one year since the storm devastated the central Philippines and condemned millions to deeper poverty.

Super Typhoon Haiyan claimed more than 7,350 lives as it swept in off the Pacific Ocean, with its record winds and once-in-a-generation storm surges flattening entire towns.

The typhoon tore across a corridor of islands where about 14 million people lived in farming and fishing communities that were already among the nation's poorest.

The rebuilding effort has been painfully slow for most survivors, with millions poorer and many dangerously exposed to the next big storm as they still live in shanty homes along coastal areas.

In an outpouring of grief, tens of thousands marched to the grave sites under the hot sun on Saturday to offer flowers, light candles and say prayers.

Josephine Crisostomo's three children died during the storm, including her youngest, who would have turned two years old on Sunday.

"I miss my children terribly, especially John Dave who would have celebrated his birthday tomorrow... I miss you, son, I love you so much," Crisostomo, 41, said at one of the mass graves in the outskirts of badly-hit Tacloban city.

Using felt-tip pens, mourners wrote names of those who died on the hundreds of white crosses planted on parched earth in symbolic gestures as the more than 2,000 people buried there had not been identified.

"I am looking for my brother, but his name is not on the list of those buried here," Elena Olendan, 50, told AFP, her eyes welling with tears, as she wandered around the grave site, about the size of six basketball courts.

Olendan had not reported her 60-year-old brother, Antonio, as missing when Haiyan struck. She found a cross on the far end of the mass grave and wrote her brother's name on it.

- National day of prayer -

The Philippines is a mainly Catholic country and many people in the typhoon zones, as well as across the nation, attended special church services.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines declared Saturday a national day of prayer, and church bells across the nation would ring at 6:00 pm to remember those who died or suffered in the storm.

The build-up to the anniversary had focused renewed attention on the pace of the reconstruction effort, with President Benigno Aquino's government criticized by many for a perceived lack of urgency.

Roughly one million people need to be moved away from coastal areas that are deemed vulnerable to storm surges, according to a 160-billion-peso ($3.6-billion) government master plan for rebuilding the typhoon zones.

However those plans have already fallen behind schedule, delayed by problems in finding new land that is safe and suitable for 205,000 new homes.

In a speech at the typhoon-hit town of Guiuan on Friday, Aquino defended the pace of the reconstruction program, saying he was determined to ensure it was carried out correctly rather than rushing.

"Curse me, criticize me but I believe I must do the right thing," Aquino said.

"I am impatient like everyone else but I have to stress that we can't rebuild haphazardly. We have to build back better... let's get it right the first time and the benefits should be permanent."

Aquino also cited international aid agencies as saying post-Haiyan recovery efforts were moving faster compared with programs in Indonesia's Banda Aceh after it was hit by mega-tsunami waves in 2004.

And while millions endure Haiyan-exacerbated poverty, there has been some remarkable progress from a year ago as international aid agencies have pumped hundreds of millions of dollars into the region.

Some of the big successes of the campaign have been the restoration of electricity within a few months, quick replanting of crops and sanitation programs that prevented major outbreaks of killer diseases.

Tacloban again resembles many other chaotic Philippine cities, with traffic jams, busy market stalls and packed shopping malls.

In the countryside, lush green paddies are testament to successful rice planting campaigns that have sustained millions.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Throwback: Atom Araullo remembers Yolanda's wrath

TACLOBAN - ABS-CBN correspondent Atom Araullo was the last reporter to give an update on the weather condition in Tacloban before it was ravaged by super typhoon Yolanda on November 8, 2013.

This is what he saw.

ABS-CBN UMAGANG KAY GANDA, November 7, 2014

Watch the full episode in iWant TV or TFC

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

World Bank plans more funding for Yolanda-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines - World Bank Group president Jim Yong Kim on Monday visited communities affected by super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan) in Leyte.

Kim announced the World Bank Group is preparing more funding for the Yolanda-hit areas soon.

He said the World Bank Group will submit the Philippine Rural Development Project to its board of directors next month.

The proposed project includes more than $62 million, which will help raise rural incomes of farmers and fishermen, as well as repair 230 kilometers of farm-to-market roads damaged by Yolanda in the central Visayas.

"I am here to reaffirm the World Bank Group’s support for the courageous Filipinos who are rebuilding from the ruins of Typhoon Haiyan... While much more can be done and needs to be done, I am encouraged to see the government, civil society, private sector, and local communities rebuilding access roads, irrigation facilities, shelters and schools for those affected by the disaster in Palo and Tanauan in Leyte," Kim said.

The $62 million is part of a $508.25 million project designed to raise rural incomes and boost productivity for farmers and fishermen nationwide.

The World Bank already had announced nearly $1 billion in financial assistance in the immediate aftermath of Yolanda, which flatted parts of central Visayas last November.

Kim expressed sympathy to the people who lost loved ones in the disaster, but said he was glad to see the communities were making progress in recovering.

"The poor are disproportionately affected by disasters and are the least able to cope. If we don't build resilience to climate change and natural disasters, we won't end poverty... The World Bank Group is working closely with the government and others to help communities improve their defense against those threats," he said.

The Philippines is the third-most vulnerable country in the world to extreme weather-related events, earthquakes, sea-level rise, and storm surges.

Kim is on a two-day visit to the Philippines. He is expected to meet with officials from the Philippine government, civil society organizations, private sector and youth organizations.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Analyst sees uptick in PH stock market in 2014

MANILA, Philippines – A veteran stock market analyst believes the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) will perform better in 2014 after it ended the year with the worst performance since 2008.

He said the rehabilitation efforts in the areas devastated by typhoon “Yolanda” in November will have a positive effect on the market in the new year.

“Being an optimist, I think there will still be an uptick in the market especially if we will have a good move in the reconstruction of the devastated areas. They may not be so big but they can contribute psychologically to the outcome and outlook of the market,” Inquirer columnist Den Somera told ANC on Monday.

The PSEi closed at 5,889.83, up only 1.3 percent for the year, after reaching an all-time high of 7,400 in May. But Somera predicts that the market will bounce back, and reach the 6,500 to 7,000 level in 2014.

PSE considers 2013 a “banner year,” as it was able to introduce new products and services such as exchange traded funds (ETF), Sharia-compliant securities, SGX-PSE MSCI Philippine Index Futures, Tradex and EDGE.

According to Somera, the introduction of ETFs will attract more investors into the country.

“It will attract more investors and attract more money in the capital market. I think the timing is good because we are back to square one, you cannot go any much lower unless there is a breakdown in the economy and peace and order in the Philippines,” he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Help the Philippines, Pope Francis says on Christmas

MANILA - Pope Francis, celebrating his first Christmas as Roman Catholic leader, on Wednesday called for help for the typhoon-hit Philippines.

Speaking to tens of thousands of people from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the same spot where he emerged to the world as pope when he was elected on March 13, Francis described Catholic-majority Filipinos as "beloved people".

"Help and protect all victims of natural disasters, especially the beloved people of Philippines gravely affected by the typhoon," he said.

In a Christmas morning mass at the Sto. Niño Church in Tacloban, the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines assured survivors of super typhoon Yolanda that they are not alone.

Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto said the world is ready to help Filipinos recover from the typhoon.

He also brought with him a message of hope from Pope Francis.

"Despite the tragedy you face, you are not alone. God is with you, god is with us," he said.

"It is my privilege to bring to you the solidarity of his holiness, Pope Francis," he added. "You know how much he cares for you. He keeps you in his prayers, and he wants to assure you of the faithful love of God."

He also called for dialogue to end the conflict in South Sudan and all wars, saying everyone should strive to be personal peacemakers.

Aid continues to flow into typhoon-devastated areas, underscoring a massive local and international relief effort launched in Yolanda's aftermath.

The typhoon, the strongest to ever hit land, struck central Philippines on November 8, destroying almost everything in its path. It killed over 6,000 people, left nearly 1,800 missing.

The United Nations recently announced an appeal for $800 million of funding to provide 12 months of assistance for 14 million people affected by the typhoon.

The funds would be used to provide access to food, shelter, water, health and sanitation services.

Call for peace

Pope Francis, in his first "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and world) message on Christmas day, also made another appeal for the environment to be saved from "human greed and rapacity".

He wove his message around the theme of peace.

He called for "social harmony in South Sudan, where current tensions have already caused numerous victims and are threatening peaceful coexistence in that young state."

He also called for dialogue to end the conflicts in Syria, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq, and prayed for a "favourable outcome" to the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians.

"Wars shatter and hurt so many lives!" he said, saying their most vulnerable victims were children, elderly, battered women and the sick.

The thread running through the message was that individuals had a role in promoting peace, either with their neighbour or between nations. The message of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem was directed at "every man or woman who keeps watch through the night, who hopes for a better world, who cares for others while humbly seeking to do his or her duty," he said.

"God is peace: let us ask him to help us to be peacemakers each day, in our life, in our families, in our cities and nations, in the whole world," he said.

Breath of fresh air

Pilgrims came from all over the world for Christmas at the Vatican and some said it was because they felt Francis had brought a breath of fresh air to the Church.

"(He) is bringing a new era into the Church, a Church that is focusing much more on the poor and that is more austere, more lively .." said Dolores Di Benedetto, who came from the pope's homeland, Argentina, to attend Christmas eve Mass.

Giacchino Sabello, an Italian, said he wanted to get a first-hand look at the new pope: "I thought it would be very nice to hear the words of this pope close up and to see how the people are overwhelmed by him."

In his speech, Francis asked God to "look upon the many children who are kidnapped, wounded and killed in armed conflicts, and all those who are robbed of their childhood and forced to become soldiers."

He also called for a "dignified life" for migrants, praying tragedies such as one in which hundreds died in a shipwreck off the coast of the Italian island of Lampedusa are never repeated, and made a particular appeal against human trafficking, which he called a "crime against humanity". - with reports from Reuters, ANC

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Insurers vow faster claims processing for typhoon victims

MANILA, Philippines – The Insurance Commission and insurers united to expedite the processing of claims for the victims of typhoon “Yolanda.”

Through the program called "Agarang Proseso, Benepisyo ay Sigurado," the Insurance Commission and insurance companies will setup a claims action center in strategic areas like Tacloban, Ormoc and Cebu City.

Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc said they will ship 40 air-conditioned container vans that will serve as processing centers.

Insurers have committed to making the process very simple and easy for the victims.

MicroEnsure Philippines, for example, has waived documentary requirements for calamity and death claims. They have prepared a master list of policy holders and have started paying out for calamity loans in affected areas even without IDs or application forms.

For death, they are simply requiring testimonial support instead of death certificates.

The Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers, meanwhile, said they have also prepared a master list and will issue an initial payout of P10,000 per policy holder.

Full amount of the claim will then be paid out after minimum requirements are satisfied. This includes being part of the master list, pictures of property, a certificate of title or vehicle registration, and a certification from the barangay where the victim is from, in the absence of an ID.

They also have the following hotlines for the Claims Insurance Center: 09479537954 (Smart), 0927889907 (Globe), 09335316685 (Sun), where the assured can provide his/her name, contact number and insurance company to facilitate the faster processing of requests.

So far, microinsurance providers have already released P83.6 million for non-life claims; P811,000 for death claims and P680,000 for relief assistance.

They have also approved an additional P110 million for release to more than 19,000 beneficiaries which is expected to be released within the first week of December.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Insurance claims of Yolanda victims may be expedited

MANILA, Philippines - The Insurance Commission is urging insurance industry players to expedite the processing and release of insurance claims of typhoon "Yolanda" survivors.

In a statement, the IC called on industry players to process and release payments to the affected insuring public without the necessity of an actual claim filed before them.

The IC is also mulling the possibility of allowing insurance providers to release insurance proceeds to covered “Yolanda” victims without relying on traditional documentary proofs and notices of loss.

There have been discussions on the use of "satellite imaging” and “crisis mapping” as basis for the payment of property insurance proceeds, in lieu of the traditional and actual documentary proof and professional adjustment. If implemented, the processing and release of property insurance claims would be faster.

In the meantime, the IC and the industry have started the "Agarang Proseso, Benepisyo ay Sigurado" program to address the victims' urgent needs.

Agarang Proseso established on-site Claims Action Centers (CAC) at the CLIMBS General Life and Insurance Cooperative CAC in Tacloban City, CLIMBS CAC in Ormoc City and CLIMBS CAC in Cebu City.

Another CAC will also be set up in Tacloban City which will be operational on December 8.

Traditional non-life insurance providers will be deploying personnel to strategic areas in the Visayas this week to further expedite the processing and release of the insurance proceeds to the covered victims.

A CAC in Tacloban City Hall is expected to be launched on December 13.

Also, microinsurance providers have already released substantial amounts of claims for covered fisherfolks, farmers, vendors and members of the marginalized sector in Tacloban, Ormoc, Samar Southern Leyte and Biliran and in other affected areas in the Visayas:

P83,641,400.00 – for non-life claims
P811,000.00 – for death claims
P680,000.00 – for relief assistance

An industry player facilitated the release of insurance claims of at least 8,000 insurance policyholders amounting to P60 million.

Microinsurance providers have also approved P110 million for release to more than 19,000 beneficiaries and claimants in the affected area. The amount will be released this week.

Affected policyholders, planholders, beneficiaries and other concerned persons are advised to visit the Insurance Commission’s website at www.insurance.gov.ph for updates.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kiefer-led charity game for Yolanda ends in draw

MANILA, Philippines – "Fastbreak 2," a charity game organized by Ateneo Blue Eagles guard Kiefer Ravena, ended in a 71-all draw at the Blue Eagle Gym on Saturday.

A slam by two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Bobby Ray Parks knotted the score at 71 moments after UAAP MVP Thirdy Ravena scored on an alley-oop dunk that temporarily gave the Blue Team a 71-69 lead.

The proceeds of the game will go towards rehabilitation efforts in the town of Concepcion in Iloilo.

Ravena explained that the town was “close to his heart,” as he has a lot of friends in the area.

“We’re trying to build as many classrooms (in Concepcio) as we can,” said Ravena. “There are only three to five classrooms left, and hopefully makapagpatayo tayo ng at least four to five classrooms para sa kanila, to start their education again.”

Parks, meanwhile, said it was a blessing for him to help the survivors of Yolanda while at the same time playing the game he loves.

“It’s a blessing to be part of it, it’s something beautiful,” said Parks. “Just to be able to help out the victims of Yolanda, especially in the best way I could – through basketball – it’s really a privilege to be here.”

Ravena had previously organized “Fastbreak 1” in January 2012, another charity game where the proceeds went to the relief efforts for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in Mindanao.

The former UAAP Rookie of the Year said he is hoping that there will be no need for a third “Fastbreak” event, however.

“Hopefully, wala na sana. We’re not planning any ‘Fastbreak 3’ kasi we’re not hoping for any future calamities or devastation,” he said. “But I’m sure there are other ways to have Fastbreak 3, you know, just for fun.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Ryan Bang taps Korean, local celebs for 'Yolanda' fundraiser

MANILA – Ryan Bang and two other Korean celebrities in the Philippines have organized a fundraising event for survivors of super typhoon “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan).

Bang, along with television host Grace Lee and choreographer Dasuri Choi are set to hold “Let’s Do More: An All-K Charity Event” this Saturday (November 30) at the Korean restaurant K-Pub BBQ at Bonifacio Global City.

The show will start at 6 p.m., with guests able to enjoy snacks and drinks for a donation of P500.

Bang has also tapped a number of local celebrities as guests on their fundraising event, among them his “It’s Showtime” hosts Karylle, Coleen Garcia and Eruption.



Also expected to grace the event are Zanjoe Marudo, John Prats, Alex Gonzaga, Kean Cipriano, Jerome Ponce, Sunshine Garcia, Aiko Climaco, Jef Gaitan, Kim de Guzman, Boom, Manuel Chua, Jamilla Obispo, Yanna Asistio, Ynna Asistio, Joe Vargas, Shey Bustamante, Tippy Dos Santos, Kim Idol, Le Chazz, AJ Tamiza, CT Guyz, Team Dasuri, Vortexx, Trouble Maker, Gems and Super Simple, among others.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Accenture mobilizes $2-M for 'Yolanda' relief efforts

MANILA, Philippines - Accenture said it has mobilized more than $2 million in cash and pro-bono contributions to support disaster relief and reconstruction efforts in typhoon-hit Philippines.

"Our thoughts remain with our colleagues, their families and the people of the Philippines, as we commit to supporting the rebuilding process," Pierre Nanterme, Accenture Chairman & CEO, said.

Accenture and the Accenture Foundations will donate $1 million to Skills to Succeed strategic partner Plan International. Cash grants will offer support for long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts required to enable communities to rebuild through skills development and economic activity.

Accenture Development Partnerships will also deliver pro-bono consulting services to Plan International during the reconstruction phase, when business and technology expertise offer the greatest impact in areas such as skills building and job training.

Accenture employees around the world have contributed more than $600,000 to the Philippine Red Cross and other charities providing local relief.

Accenture is providing employees in the Philippines with paid volunteering time to support relief operations.

"In the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, we hope to make a sustainable difference to the long-term economic vitality and resilience of individuals, families and communities in the Philippines," Jill Huntley, managing director – Global Corporate Citizenship at Accenture, said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Indian prophet predicted Yolanda devastation?

Social media is abuzz about the alleged prediction of an Indian holy man who foretold a great flood sweeping Samar, Leyte, and other parts of the Philippines this year.

In video clips uploaded on YouTube in April, Bro. Vincent Selvakumar with translation by Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj warns his Filipino audience about a big storm that will hit the Visayas, as well as many other areas.

Selvakumar founded the Voice of Jesus Ministries. His website says Selvakumar's teachings "challenge all believers to a life of holiness and to walk in the Spirit as yielded vessels for the work of furthering the kingdom of God on earth."

Sadhu founded the Jesus Ministries, which is described in its website as "a prophetic-evangelistic work which fulfills a call of God to pioneer evangelistic outreaches to people groups among whom Christ Jesus is little or never named."

The group claims that God anointed Sadhu through "signs, wonders, and miracles."

"Since 1979, the Lord God has taken Brother Sadhu to more than 50 nations around the world to be a witness for him," it added.

Sadhu's profile says he was a former staunch Hindu before he had a "dramatic life-changing supernatural encounter with the living Christ Jesus at the age of 16."

He also allegedly predicted the Japan tsunami a year before it struck.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

David Beckham donates clothes for 'Yolanda' victims

MANILA - Celebrity couple David and Victoria Beckham donated 20 boxes of designer clothes and shoes to the British Red Cross in London to help raise funds for the victims of typhoon 'Yolanda.'

The collection reportedly included suits and shoes estimated to be worth at around £800 or P56,000 each.

Victoria Beckham, formerly known as Posh Spice of the "Spice Girls," encouraged more people to do the same.

"Everyone has something in their closet they were holding on to - a dress, suit, or pair of shoes they thought they might wear again," she said.

"Dig them out, bag them up, drop them off and give someone else the chance to buy them, raising much-needed funds for the Red Cross aid effort."

Earlier this month, other British celebrities, led by boy band One Direction, held a telethon on London's iconic BT Tower to answer the "Typhoon Appeal" of UK's Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).

And according to the official Facebook page of the DEC, as of Thursday, the umbrella charity organization already raised more than £55 million or around P3.8 billion for those affected by the super typhoon.

“Survivors of the disaster desperately need a huge amount of help both now and in the months to come, so this money will literally support people to rebuild their lives,” said DEC Chief Executive, Saleh Saeed in the Facebook post.

As of November 21, the death toll from Yolanda stands at 4,011, while 1,602 remain missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The NDRRMC said at least 2.1 million families or 9.9 million individuals were affected by 'Yolanda.'

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

German Red Cross continues PH relief flights

BERLIN - The German Red Cross has loaded another aid flight for the victims of typhoon "Haiyan" which is expected to start Tuesday from the airport Berlin-Schoenefeld for the Philippines.

The German Red Cross said that the plane is expected to fly directly to the island of Cebu and carries a total of 53 tonnes of cargo, among them supplies for the water and hygienic sustainance for about 20,000 people.

"The need is immense and tremendous. So we will have to continue in bringing in supplies from here as well as from the region," said the head for international cooperation of the German Red Cross, Christof Johnen. "And that is on the water and sanitation sector but as well of course shelter is an immense problem and a tremendous challenge there. As well as food and basic health services that have to be provided."

Johnen said that the co-ordination is going rather well. But what remains a major challenge is the logistics. "You have a number of islands, although roads are cleared, more and more. Accessing really the people in remote areas remains a challenge and that will be our focus for the next weeks."

The cargo is complimented by two so called inter-agency emergency health kits, which includes basic medicines and other medical supplies for roughly 60,000 people for a month, said Johnen.

In addition to the supplies, the cargo plane will also carry building materials for a co-ordination centre as well as three Red Cross off-road vehicles.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Dutch fundraising drive hits P1-B for Yolanda survivors

HOLLAND - A national fundraising campaign was initiated by Dutch aid organizations and media outlets to help the victims of typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan).

On Monday morning, the telephone lines at the Institute for Sound and Images in Hilversum, the Netherlands opened for receiving donations via Giro555, a national fundraising campaign launched by Stichting Samenwerkend Hulporganisaties Sho, a cooperation of aid agencies in the Netherlands.

They partnered with Dutch media outlets including Public Omroep, SBS6 and RTL to raise funds to help the survivors of typhoon Yolanda.

A national fund raising drive is usually done whenever a big tragedy happens like the earthquake in Haiti and the tsunami in Southeast Asia.

"It is really a splendid day of getting together and feeling that we are connected in humanity here and we are connected to the Philippines, and [the] Philippines is connected to us here in the Netherlands and that's a tremendous feeling even though the situation is really horrendous," said Henri van Eeghen, fundraising chairman.

Dutch celebrities, media personalities, singers, beauty queens and regular Dutch people joined the fundraising drive that lasted until midnight. Some auctioned their belongings, others volunteered in answering the phones. Other also performed for the volunteers while Filipinos distributed home-cooked Pinoy meals to them.

"I am very shocked about what has happened and we get so many stories via social media and of course I had to participate because I really want to help the Filipinos. Everyone sees the Filipino people as very strong and happy people, even when they are down, even when something like this happens, people can still smile and it's very beautiful to see and they are a great example for people around the world," said Cystine Carreon.




TV host Britt Dekker visited in the Philippines last year. She was shocked and touched upon watching the wreckage brought by the typhoon.

In a translation she said, "I have never cried so hard in any movie than I did when I was watching the news, the images. It was so terrible. We can donate money but we can also give our time and effort."

At the end of the day, Giro555 was able to raise more than 18.5 million euros or more than one billion pesos. This will be donated to nine organizations that are already active in relief operations in rehabilitations in the Philippines, including Oxfam Novib, Terres de Hommes, Icco Kerk in Actie, Save the Children, Red Cross, Care Nederland, Unicef, Cordaid Mensen In Nood and World Vision.

"Some portion of it will go to immediate relief efforts. Some of them will go to actually start building houses, get microfinance going and a number of other things to help people get into their own sustainable situation again where they can start taking care of themselves, have children go to school, have sanitation facilities, hospitals to have running again and so on," said Eeghen.

Filipinos who participated in the event in Hilversum were teary-eyed with the tremendous help that the Dutch people extended.

"Sa ganitong panahon talagang nandyan sila para sa atin. In behalf of the Filipinos living here in Holland, I would like to express my gratitude to the Dutch people, to the Dutch government for the support they had given to us during this dreadful disaster," said Meryl Jansen.

Giro555 will continue to receive donations after the televised fundraising marathon. This is on top of the two million euros already given by the Dutch government, as well as donations from individuals and groups who are continuously rallying for the victims of Yolanda.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Switzerland extends P1-B aid for Yolanda survivors

MANILA - A national fund raising drive by Swiss Solidarity and the Swiss government has so far generated more than P1-billion for the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines.

"To fund the Swiss relief efforts, the Swiss Federal Government released P281 million (CHF 6
million) in immediate disaster assistance. A national fund raising drive undertaken by “Swiss Solidarity”  to help Philippine disaster victims netted P760 million (CHF 16.1 million) by Monday evening, 18 November 2013, bringing the combined amount mobilized so far by the Swiss government and “Swiss Solidarity” alone to more than PHP 1 billion. Individuals, NGOs and companies in Switzerland continue to mobilize funding to assist the typhoon victims," the Embassy of Switzerland in Manila said in a statement.

Switzerland was quick to respond to the disaster by deploying teams of experts to seriously affected areas in Northern Cebu and Western Leyte.

"The experts of the Swiss Humanitarian Assistance Teams were the first foreign aid workers to help the gravely affected populations in Bogo, Daan Bantayan and Bantayan Island in Cebu and in Naval/Biliran and Ormoc in Western Leyte," the embassy said.

Currently, there are 20 professionals, medical doctors and health specialists, water and sanitation engineers, shelter experts and logisticians working round the clock out of their hub in Cebu City.

They continue to provide food and kitchen sets as well as hygiene and shelter-kits, which are procured locally, to tens of thousands of victims.

As of Monday, 21 tons of medical kits, food packs and shelter materials were shipped by air from Switzerland and distributed in coordination with local authorities to the needy in the disaster area.

Some of the Swiss government funds will be allocated to Switzerland’s international partner agencies.

Meanwhile, the embassy dispatched to Cebu and Leyte its consular personnel to assists Swiss citizens affected by the typhoon.

Swiss citizens in the affected areas are requested to contact the Swiss Embassy at 0917 528 5460.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com