Kidapawan students raise funds for Cotabato flood victims

KIDAPAWAN, Philippines — A fund drive launched by senior students of the Notre Dame of Kidapawan College-Integrated Basic Education Development for flood victims in Cotabato City have raised P7,789.50 so far, a school official said on Tuesday. Alino Elviña, coordinator of the school’s National Service Training Program (NSTP), said the students went around the city and were also able to collect not just cash but small boxes as well in just one hour. “We are happy that in our own small way, we were able to give something to our brothers and sisters in Cotabato City in their time of need," Elviña said. Encouraged with the positive response from individuals, families, business establishments, Elviña said he would ask the school principal to widen the campaign by mobilize students in all year level. Among those who responded were the faculty and staff of the school, he said. Earlier, Cotabato City archbishop Orlando Quevedo appealed for help for some 20,000 families affected by floods following torrential rains that caused the Rio Grande de Mindanao to overflow last week. Among the victims were more than 2,800 families still living in 25 evacuation centers and more than 11,000 families who now staying with their immediate relatives. Quevedo said the evacuees urgently need food, clothing and medicines, especially that many children in various evacuation sites are suffering from illness. “I appeal to each one of good will to help our suffering brothers and sisters. No matter how small your donations could be, it would be a great blessing from the Lord for those who suffer," Archbishop Quevedo said. He also asked for volunteers to go to respective parishes or approach any religious leaders for various services needed. He said volunteers are needed for various activities, such as clearing water lilies from waterways, providing food for the volunteers, listing names, repacking supplies and caring for the flood victims “Let us also pray and not forget the thousands of people in towns and villages outside Cotabato City who have probably lost more their farms, their livelihood and love ones due to floods," Quevedo appealed. - WILLIAMOR A. MAGBANUA, GMANews.TV