UAE’s Filipino expats join together to help Typhoon Koppu victims back home

ABU DHABI // Filipino expatriates have mobilised their relief efforts to help those affected by the typhoon that is battering their homeland.

Thousands of villagers in northern Philippines have been forced to flee their homes as Typhoon Koppu, known locally as Lando, hit the country at the weekend.

Grace Princesa, the Philippines’ ambassador to the UAE, said her country was well-prepared for natural disasters, but called for prayers.

“The Philippine government has made preparations for the possible harmful effects of Lando to the affected areas,” she said.

“Our Filipino community here can pray for the safety of our compatriots, and send aid, if needed.”

Ms Princesa, whose six-year term ends this month, said she trained community leaders without the prodding from the embassy, to raise funds on their own.

“We plan to meet and discuss our response to this disaster,” said Tony Morales, chairman of Bayanihan UAE, an umbrella group of 50 organisations in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. “But I’m sure many community groups are willing to help raise funds for thousands affected by the typhoon back home.”

The Confederation of Ilocano Associations in the UAE, whose members are from the northern Luzon provinces, also plans to meet this week, said its adviser Jim Lorenzo, 28.

“We’ll coordinate with our national chairman and discuss any fundraising efforts,” he said.

Thousands have been evacuated and brought to safer ground or evacuation centres in the provinces of Aurora, Isabela, Quirino and Cagayan, while others remained stranded at seaports and airports.

At his hometown in Echague in the Isabela province, thousands were left without power.

“I’m glad I managed to contact my brother,” said Mr Lorenzo, who has worked as an office assistant in Abu Dhabi for three years. “Although my family and our relatives are safe inside their homes, the typhoon has destroyed many rice fields and banana plantations in our town.”

Liza Vallejo, 33, an office assistant who is also from Isabela, was relieved to learn that her family was safe and that their house had not been damaged.

“I’m glad I was able to speak to my sisters who assured me that they’re OK,” Ms Vallejo said. “It’s not as bad as the previous typhoons that hit our town.”

Acting Philippine weather bureau chief Esperanza Cayanan warned the public not to be complacent as the typhoon continues to threaten, particularly the provinces in the Cordillera region north of Manila, reported news agency Bloomberg.

Koppu is forecast to exit the landmass on Wednesday morning but could remain over the area up to Friday, she said.

About 20 major storms hit the Philippines every year, with Koppu as the 12th this year.

In 2013 Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most ferocious storms on record to hit land, barrelled through the central Philippines, levelling entire towns and leaving more than 7,300 people dead or missing.

The UAE was at the forefront of the mission to aid in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Haiyan.

Typhoon Koppu weakened after making its first landfall in the town of Casiguran, located in the coastal province of Aurora. It has so far knocked out power and communications, and claimed the lives of three people, reported Bloomberg.