PGMA Asks Filipino Community in the U.S. to Help
Victims of Typhoon Frank

CITY OF FRESNO, California -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called
on the Filipino community in the United States to extend assistance to
the victims of typhoon Frank that hit the Philippines last Saturday.

The President sounded the call in her brief message during a program
with some Filipino-Americans at the Fresno Convention Center here when
she joined them in hearing Sunday mass.

''You have done so much without losing your bonds of affection for
your motherland or your inherent pride in your Filipino heritage.
Every year, Filipino-Americans extend all forms of assistance for your
old schools, hometowns, provinces and local organizations, '' the
President said.

''From medical and dental missions, to educational and internet
support, to humanitarian and charitable causes, Filipino-Americans are
ever ready to help the land of your forefathers, '' the President added.

She said that with the onslaught of typhoon Frank, the Filipinos back
home are hoping that the Filipinos here will again extend their help
to the less fortunate.

''To our Fil-Am brothers and sisters, for your generosity towards the
less fortunate in the Philippines, and for your commitment to enhance
development in our motherland, Salamat!'' she said.

Some 600 Filipino-Americans witnessed the President's conduct of a
video conference with the National Disaster Coordinating Council
(NDCC) where President Arroyo showed that despite her being out of the
Philippines to foster diplomatic relations with its most important
ally, she remains focused and on top of the situation back home.

Any assistance to the typhoon victims could be coursed through the
embassies and consulates as the President has given out instructions
for them to open disaster-relief donation accounts.

In addition, the NDCC was directed to set up an accounts website and
text number.

Witness the country's 7,107 beautiful islands through these colorful videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/gabagcaoili

JUAN GABRIEL E. AGCAOILI
Administrative Officer
Philippine Department of Tourism
447 Sutter Street, Suite 507
San Francisco, CA 94108
T - 415.9564060 F - 415.9562093

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