– Filipino communities in Belgium are continously raising funds to help the rehabilitation process of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) victims in the Philippines. One of the many organizations, COFAF  (Council of Filipino Associations in Flanders) headed by Ms. Minabelle Siason, marked the celebration of Pasko sa Brugge held in Sint-Lodewijkscollege, Sint-Andries last weekend and was a huge success. According to Ms. Siason, the fund that normally goes to build classrooms in different areas in the Philippines will be diverted to the typhoon victims.

– In behalf of the Kingdom of Belgium and its subjects, Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo conveys his sincerest condolences and sympathy to the family of  95-year old Nelson Mandela, first black President of South Africa & a Nobel Peace Prize winner. “Today, we bid goodbye to a man who brought hope for his country, a true hero who will continue to inspire us”, says Di Rupo.

–  Meanwhile, the crisis unit of the provincial government of West Flanders, Belgium headed by Governor Carl Decaluwe came together again to continue to monitor the storm and tide.