There are about 50,000 to 60,000 Filipinos in Qatar from the typhoon-hit Visayas region of the Philippines and many may have lost their homes in the devastation. Rough estimates put the number of Filipinos in Qatar at between 180,000 and 200,000. A third of them may be from the central Visayas region. According to an umbrella body of Filipino community organisations here, they had heard from at least 20 to 25 compatriots until yesterday that their homes were swept away by the powerful typhoon. “We don’t so far know if someone has also lost a relative in the tragic storm that has left thousands dead and hundreds of thousands of people homeless,” said Jhin Tabuzo, Chairman of the United Filipino Organisations in Qatar, the umbrella organisation of some 120 community associations here. He said donations had begun pouring in for victims after they launched a fund-raiser in coordination with their embassy. The umbrella body, he said, was set up two months ago and this was the third donation campaign launched by it. “Our first campaign was for the war victims of Mindanao (the southern province of the Philippines hit by rebel fighting).” A lot of civilians have been displaced there. The Peninsula The second drive was for the victims of the earthquake in Cebu, said Tabuzo. “And now we have launched this latest campaign.” “All these drives have been launched almost one after the other,” he said in remarks to this newspaper when told that their country being prone to natural calamities they needed to frequently launch donation campaigns. Tabuzo said donations were being accepted in kind and cash. Blankets, clothing and medicines are needed on an urgent basis, he added. Those desirous of making donations should visit the Philippine embassy. Donations in cash can also be made there. The umbrella organisation can also be approached to make donations. Foreigners can also make donations in cash and kind, said Tabuzo. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/260445-donation-drive-for-typhoon-hit-filipinos-.html

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