– B-FAST team is back to Belgium after 2 weeks of emergency rescue operations in the Philippines’ stricken areas of Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). Vice-premier Didier Reynders welcomed the 37 medical and logistic B-FAST team at Zaventem airport in Brussels, Saturday morning. The team established a field hospital and water purifying system in the affected areas. The field hospital accommodated 200 people a day with a total of 1,300 victims during their stay.
– The family of missing Belgian, 53-year old Alex Cordero gave a memorial service in the Church of Our Lady in Woluwe, Saturday morning. Announcement of his death has been published in the newspaper La Libre Belgique. Witnesses said, they last saw Mr. Cordero being taken away by big waves at the height of typhoon Haiyan. There are still no news on the 17 Belgians still missing since 8 November.
– Lady Jemmie Rose Lumibao, Secretary of the Ladies For Rizal, Brussels Chapter announced that the five boxes of donations for the victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda has been delivered at Lady Antonina Fernandez’ place. She encouraged other Filipinos & Belgians to bring their donations at Valerius De Saedeleerstraat 31, 1800 Vilvoorde, Belgium.
– The 1,000 residents of Homonhon Island, just across the sea from Guian, Eastern Samar are calling for help. They need food and medical supplies. All cell sites are down and no communication is available to contact families or friends. Mr. Rey Pocais noticed that the island has never been mentioned in radio & television news though Homonhon is considered one of the first most damaged areas.
– Filipinos in Belgium are selling lumpia for a relief fund to Typhoon Haiyan victims. 20 pieces of lumpia for only €5. Concerts and dinners have been organized in the whole of Belgium and proceeds will all go to the Philippines.
– Gina Madamba Pastor, 26 years old from Cagayan Valley, an OFW in Qatif, Saudi Arabia is calling for help. Her contract ended in February 2013 but her employer is still holding her and not allowing to leave the country. She’s begging for assistance to return to the Philippines as soon as possible. Employer is Ali Mansoor Al-Khamis with telephone number +966505877631.
– In behalf of my family from London, New York, Brussels & the Philippines, our sincerest condolences on the death of a very close family friend, Bethelite Mrs. Erlinda Tansuico-Junatas. Our love and prayers to the Tansuico sisters – Luz, Evelyn & Joyce of Paris, France.
See you again on Wednesday. Have a great week everyone.
