CFSI is responding to the devastation caused by Typhoon Bopha (local name “Pablo”), which struck Mindanao on 04 December. According to official estimates, 5 million people were affected, 331 have been killed, and 380 remain missing. At present, roughly 348,000 are staying in 541 evacuation centers across 8 different regions.

CFSI has been serving in Central and Northern Mindanao for many years. In response to this recent disaster, CFSI will expand its humanitarian assistance operations to include Eastern Mindanao, which bore the brunt of the disaster.

A CFSI Emergency Response Team has been deployed. Rapid assessments are being carried out. CFSI is gearing up to provide humanitarian assistance in affected areas by working with its long-time partners: World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and others.

CFSI is raising funds to produce, transport, and deliver up to 10,000 Family Support Kits that would benefit 10,000 displaced families or roughly 50,000 persons in Eastern Mindanao. Each kit costs P500 (US$12). Volunteers organized by CFSI, including those affected by the disaster, will assemble these kits.

These kits contain practical relief items that help protect and promote health, wellbeing, and dignity. The bucket used for these kits can be used to collect, transport, and store water. In addition to the relief items, CFSI includes a simple note of encouragement and information on giving feedback. Volunteers organized by CFSI, including those affected by the disaster, will assemble these kits.

For bank transfers in Philippine Pesos (PHP):
Account Name: Community and Family Services International
Account Number: 6735-0491-25
Bank Name: BPI Family Bank
Bank Address: Legaspi-Amorsolo Branch, G/F Filomena Bldg., 104 Amorsolo St. Makati City, Philippines
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

For bank transfers in US Dollars (USD):
Account Name: Community and Family Services International
Account Number: 6734-0077-63
Bank Name: BPI Family Bank
Bank Address: Legaspi-Amorsolo Branch, G/F Filomena Bldg., 104 Amorsolo St. Makati City, Philippines
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

In addition to funding for these Family Support Kits, CFSI is seeking donations in support of its broader response to this major natural disaster. CFSI will ensure that receipts are quickly issued and donors properly acknowledged.

You can also download and print the one-page Emergency Appeal (PDF) by clicking here.

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*Source: OCHA SitRep No. 3 re: Philippines Typhoon Bopha, 06 Aug 2012