BEIJING, China — The Filipino community here has organized a cash-transfer donation via social media and mobile payment application Wechat to help provide cash assistance to victims of Typhoon “Ompong” (international name “Mangkhut”) in the Philippines, particularly in northern Luzon.
The FilComBei, a non-profit socio civic group which aims to make the spirit of “bayanihan” (solidarity) alive among Filipinos in Beijing, managed to collect a total of RMB 12,030 (PHP94, 812.81) cash donations in just two days.
The funds collected will be transfered to the Philippine Red Cross.
Machelle Ramos, FilComBei core member, said the organization was overwhelmed by the support given not only by fellow Filipinos in China but also by other Chinese people and foreigners.
“I witnessed the Filipino community coming together. The bayanihan spirit was alive. The support was overwhelming not only from kababayans, but from Chinese and foreign friends. We hope our donation will be able help those who were badly hit by Typhoon Ompong,” she said.
The Filipino community was recognized by the Philippine Embassy in China last year.
“Ompong” slammed into the country on Saturday, and was reported to be the strongest storm in 2018, with gusts of up to 325 kilometers per hour (200 mph) before it made landfall in Cagayan province. (PNA)
