Disaster Relief

Assistance Flowing for Typhoon Recovery “After the Storm”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The June 15 Kennedy Center Benefit Concert netted more than $350,000 to support post-Typhoon Haiyan recovery in the central Philippines. The concert, inspired by Ambassador and Mrs. Jose Cuisia and presented by the US-Philippines Society in cooperation with the Philippine Humanitarian Coalition (PHC), 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.

The concert drew more than two thousand patrons who were treated to a brilliant musical evening combining show tunes, pop, jazz, ballet, classical music and opera from an array of top Filipino and American talent. Revenues raised from the concert exceeded projections and are now assisting recovery efforts in the Philippines. All this was made possible through the generosity of more than 100 individual and private sector sponsors, performers who freely donated their time, PHC volunteers who assisted with ticket sales, the production staff, Kennedy Center management, and others.

Following the benefit concert, the US-Philippines Society solicited project proposals from partner relief organizations with on-the-ground operations in the Philippines. Criteria included the need for assurance that all funds provided would be well managed and accounted for, be targeted on priority projects with sustainable impact in areas of health, education, livelihood, and shelter, and reach communities throughout the geographically diverse areas struck by the typhoon.

Thus far, project proposals from four relief and recovery organizations (based on their budgeted needs for each project) have been approved for funding.

  • The Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) will manage an elementary school rebuilding and feeding program in Tacloban, and repair of a rural health unit in Julita, Leyte.
  • The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) will construct 2-3 maternal health facilities in Western and Eastern Samar.
  • International Relief and Development (IRD) will provide matching funds to support livelihood assistance, including training of 150 out-of-school youth in salvaging coco lumber for shelter in the western Visayas.
  • Habitat for Humanity will provide 50 shelter repair kits for damaged housing in the eastern Visayas.

The PHC is currently reviewing project proposals from members and concert benefactors, and expects to have recommendations for use of all remaining funds ready for consideration by August 30.

The US-Philippines Society continues to receive contributions from donors interested in supporting typhoon recovery. The Society, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, applies no administrative fees; all funds go directly to partner relief organizations working in the Philippines. Visit  www.usphilippinessociety.org to see how you can help.

Previous post

Noli Me Tangere Opera comes to Washington DC

Next post

Business Roundtable President Aquino