Apl.de.ap to visit CDO, help 'Sendong' victims

Black Eyed Peas rapper apl.de.ap is set to travel to Cagayan de Oro on Friday, Dec. 23, to extend aid in the wake of Tropical Storm Sendong, which ravaged Northern Mindanao last weekend, leaving over a thousand people dead, and thousands more injured and homeless.

 

"I want to go personally and see what I can do to help," apl said.

 

He also announced that his friends in the United States have launched a charity auction to raise funds for relief operations and the rehabilitation of affected schools in the region.

 

Since the Black Eyed Peas went on hiatus earlier this year, apl has been flying in and out of the country, actively campaigning for the improvement of public schools.

 

He advocates quality education through the We Can Be Anything campaign, a joint effort of the Apl.de.Ap Foundation and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation.

 

The musician was recently honored by the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) with the BPInoy Award, which recognizes the achievements and talents of overseas Filipinos.

 

During the awarding ceremony last Dec. 19, apl offered a prayer for the Sendong victims. He also said in his acceptance speech: "Now, more than ever, I realize how important it is to give back to my country, particularly those most in need…In turn, it feels good to know that I have my kababayans' support." 

 

Apl will be spending Christmas with his family in his hometown, Sapang Bato, Angeles City, where he intends to continue his humanitarian efforts. 

 

He shared, "I’m looking forward to Simbang Gabi and distributing packages of canned goods and rice to the barangays." –AL/KG, GMA News