CEBU, Philippines – The Samar Island Press Club originally planned to bring relief goods to fellow journalists in Northern Samar who were affected by typhoon Nona.
But due to many calls for help from Nona victims, attested by the Northern Samar Journos group, the SIPC decided to link with other media organizations and outlets, they pool their resources together to help the typhoon victims.
The Aksyon Radyo-Catbalogan and the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines-Samar chapter immediately answered to SIPC’s summon to provide assistance in Northern Samar.
Eventually, a short fund drive was initiated by media men in Samar and they were able to prepare and distribute135 food packs, each containing three kilos of commercial rice, various canned goods, noodles, coffee, biscuits and chocolates, to those who were found to be in dire need of help.
The journalists also prepared and distributed separate packs for every fellow journalists who either lost their houses or partially damaged houses. These packs, containing three kilos of rice and groceries were distributed for the media noche of the typhoon-affected journalists.
Canvas or tarps were also given out to the journalists, as well as solar-powered LED lamps, donated by Senator Cynthia Villar, so they could charge their phones, while electricity has yet to be restored in most parts of Northern Samar. (FREEMAN)