Pinoys in Australia urged to be strong

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos in Australia who have been affected by floods were asked to be strong and to continue the mutual support for which Filipinos are renowned.

Philippine Honorary Consul General in Brisbane Allan Grummit issued a message to the Filipino organizations and associations in Queensland.

“We have all been affected in one way or another by the devastating floods, which affected almost the entire state of Queensland,” he said.

“In this condition, being Filipinos, I know each of us can survive. We have to brace together, assist and support each other,” Grummit said.

The Philippine embassy in Canberra, in coordination with the Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Brisbane and Filipino community leaders in Queensland, continues to closely monitor the situation of Filipinos in flood-affected areas of Queensland.

Philippine Charge d’ Affaires Mary Anne Padua has instructed Grummit to visit the evacuation centers as soon as possible to determine the condition of Filipinos who may have sought temporary shelter there and the assistance that can be extended to them.

The embassy has also called on Filipino community leaders and members, as well as those with work permits in the affected areas, to check on their condition.

Reports received by the embassy indicate that a number of Filipinos in the flooded areas are staying in evacuation centers or with relatives and friends living in areas not affected by the floods.