PHL Embassy in Oman hosts thanksgiving for Sendong donors

The Philippines' envoy to Oman hosted a thanksgiving event to donors who supported the donation drive for victims in the Philippines of tropical storm "Sendong" (international name: Washi). "Sendong" devastated parts of Mindanao and Visayas in mid-December, leaving 1,257 dead and more than P1.4 billion in damage to property.   As of January 10 this year, the total cash donations from donors in Oman amounted to 4,800 Omani Rials (around P545,063), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.   "(Philippine Ambassador Joselito Jimeno) and Filipino Community Social Club Chairperson Amelita Villamora awarded certificates of appreciation to the different individuals and organizations who generously donated to the Sendong flood victims," the DFA said.   Present during the event last Jan. 14 were representatives from Filipino community groups and officials from Bank Muscat, Venus Electronics LLC, and ARAMEX, who were among the major donors.   In his remarks, Jimeno expressed the Philippine government's gratitude to all those who supported the relief campaign.   He expressed his appreciation of the strong support and cooperation of the Filipino community in Oman. - VVP, GMA News