Helping the Survivors of Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan

(The following is a message by United States Charge D’Affaires Brian L. Goldbeck- forwarded by our dear friend Capt. Michael M, US Embassy, Manila, Philippines)

Mission Colleagues,

Many of you have expressed concern over the calamity left by Typhoon Yolanda, known internationally as Typhoon Haiyan.  Most of us have received phone calls, emails and messages from concerned family members and friends, wanting to know exactly what the situation is and how they can help.

For Americans in our community and back home trying to locate family members and/or friends here in the Philippines, the Bureau of Consular Affairs has formed a Response Call Center.  Callers can reach the call center at 888-407-4747 from within the U.S. or 202-501-4444 if calling from other locations.

I can assure our entire Mission family that the United States Government and this Embassy are focused on supporting the government of the Philippines’ efforts to address this emergency.  We are meeting regularly and working closely to make sure our assistance is based on what our Philippine friends need most.  We are focused on immediate needs for shelter, water, sanitation and food.

For updates on Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan relief efforts please check the U.S. Embassy’s website at http://manila.usembassy.gov/ regularly.  Over the course of the coming days and weeks, our Mission will work together to find ways we as a community can help.  You will hear more on this soon.

Generally speaking, what is most needed during these early days are cash donations to professional relief organizations which allow them to purchase exactly what is needed and when it is needed, from established supply chains, and to procure supplies near the affected area, cutting down on transportation time and cost. If you are interested in making a monetary contribution, take a look at supporting relief organizations who are accepting such donations.

At this time, while it is not the position of the U.S. Embassy to suggest whether you make such a contribution, we provide the following information without endorsement for those who are interested, in order so that you, and your family and friends around the world, may make informed decisions about where to direct resources.

List of Organizations Accepting Donations:

(Note: These links are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply any endorsement by the U.S. Embassy Manila.)

Plan International
http://plan-international.org/what-you-can-do/emergency-appeals/philippines-typhoon-appeal

World Vision
http://www.worldvision.org.ph

World Food Programme
https://www.wfp.org/donate/typhoon

Catholic Relief Services
http://crs.org/countries/philippines

Save the Children
http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6150549/

UNICEF
http://www.unicef.org/philippines/

Yesterday EAP Assistant Secretary Russel called me to express his appreciation for the Embassy's superb response to typhoon Yolanda. He lauded the mission's teamwork, organization, and communications skills, adding this event has the President's attention. I want to add my thanks to all for again rising to meet these challenges, especially over a three-day holiday.

As President Obama stated, “the spirit of Bayanihan will see you through this tragedy.” The people of the Philippines are strong and resilient. We will assist them through this time of need and support the Philippine government in their efforts.

Charge D’Affaires

Brian L. Goldbeck