Pinoy community in Japan donates .1M yen to Taal victims
PHILIPPINE Embassy in Japan thanked the Filipino community in Shizuoka for their donation of 100,000 yen to those affected by the 2020 eruption of Taal Volcano.
Philippine Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Robespierre Bolivar met with Ms. Ana Margarita Teodoro, President of Shizuoka’s Association of Pinoy Volunteers for Assistance (APIVA), for the handover.
In a video message recorded during the ceremonies, he acknowledged the community’s generosity even amidst the ongoing pandemic.
“Maraming salamat sa Filipino community sa Shizuoka. Kahit mahirap ang buhay ngayon dahil sa pandemya, nagagalak ang Embassy dahil naiisip nyo pa din na tumulong sa ating mga kababayan na nasalanta ng Taal Volcano,” Bolivar said.
APIVA raised the funds through their “Bangon Pilipinas” food and fashion bazaar held on 23 February 2020.
Since the pandemic prevented APIVA from pushing through with traveling to the Philippines, the organization sought the Embassy’s advice on how to facilitate sending the donation to the affected areas.
Bolivar assured APIVA that the Embassy will assist them in coordinating with the local government of Taal, Batangas and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure that the donation will reach the intended recipients quickly.
Shizuoka Prefecture is home to the 3rd largest Filipino community in Japan.
