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Benefit concert for Yolanda victims in Washington raises P15M
A star-studded benefit concert for victims of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last June 15 raised more than P15 million, the Philippine Embassy in Washington said over the weekend.
Proceeds of the benefit concert, dubbed “After the Storm,” will now go to rebuilding projects in Yolanda-affected areas, the embassy said in a news release Saturday (PHL time).
“The concert succeeded in drawing attention to rebuilding needs and served as a thank-you to the many people and organizations that have donated time and resources to aid victims of the most powerful storm ever to make landfall,” said Philippine Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr., who headed the project along with wife Maria Victoria.
He added the proceeds "exceeded projections and are being provided for recovery efforts.”
Organized by the Philippine Embassy, the US-Philippines Society and the Philippine Humanitarian Coalition, the concert netted more than $350,000.
It attracted more than 2,000 patrons who were treated to an evening of show tunes, pop, jazz, ballet, classical music and opera.
Top Filipino and American talents led by Lea Salonga, Lou Diamond Phillips, apl.de.ap, and Darren Criss performed at the event.
Project proposals
US-Philippines Society president Ambassador John Maisto said project proposals were solicited from partner relief organizations with on-the-ground operations in the Philippines.
He said criteria included assurance that:
- funds be targeted on priority projects with sustainable impact in areas of health, education, livelihood, and shelter
- reach communities throughout the geographically diverse areas struck by the typhoon
Hank Henridckson, Executive Director of the US-Philippines Society, said project proposals from four relief and recovery organizations have been approved for funding. These are:
- The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) for constructing two to three maternal health facilities in Western and Eastern Samar.
- The International Relief and Development (IRD) for supporting livelihood assistance, including training of 150 out-of-school youth in salvaging coco lumber for shelter in the western Visayas.
- Habitat for Humanity for providing 50 shelter repair kits for damaged housing in the eastern Visayas.
Dr. Abraham Rasul and Victoria Navarro, co-chairs of the Philippine Humanitarian Coalition said their group is reviewing project proposals from members and concert benefactors.
It expects to have recommendations ready for consideration by August 30. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News
