Redwood City, CA: Ayala Foundation USA has sent out an appeal to Filipinos worldwide to send donations to thousands of families affected by two super typhoons that hit the Philippines in as many weeks. Initially, packing 175 kilometers per hour center winds, Typhoon "Mina" (international codename: Mitag) has left 19 people dead with more than 120,000 families or about 552,000 persons affected in 1,282 *barangays *(villages) from 139 municipalities or cities of 18 provinces in Southern and Northern part of Luzon. While typhoon "Lando" (international codename: Hagibis), after exiting the country last week, returned last Monday, pulled back by a stronger typhoon Mina. Typhoon Lando has crossed Southern Luzon and is now hoisted in the Bicol region, particularly in Catanduanes, Albay, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur provinces. Last week, typhoon Lando caused landslides and flashfloods in some parts of Luzon and Visayas that affected more than 7,000 families or 35,200 persons in 13 provinces. Reports said this typhoon had 14 casualties.

According to the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), 12,175 families or 56,420 persons are now housed in 129 evacuation centers. Both typhoons have caused damaged to about 3,733 houses, destroyed an estimated P109 million ($ 2.5 million) worth of agricultural crops, P 210 million ($4.9 million) damage cost to school buildings, and P 162 million ($3.8 million) to infrastructure. Landslides in the province of Catanduanes have isolated several towns. In Isabela province, massive flooding has submerged corn farms that are due for harvest come February.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral said that the immediate needs of the affected families include food, water, footwear, underwear mats and blankets.

Ayala Foundation USA among other non-profit organizations are appealing to Filipinos worldwide to be more generous this holiday season especially to the victims of these disasters. You can send your donation to:

Ayala Foundation USA
255 Shoreline Drive, Suite 428
Redwood City, CA 94065 USA
Tel. no. (650) 598-3126
Fax no. (650) 508-8988
E-mail: info@af-usa.org
Contact: Marivic Padilla (marivic@af-usa.org)

Cash/check donations are accepted. You can also donate through the website (www.af-usa.org) using your credit card. Ayala Foundation USA is a registered 501c(3) public charity that provides tax deductibility incentives to donors. AFUSA assures that all donations would immediately reach the intended recipients as they are closely working with their partner organizations in the Philippines that are directly involved in the relief operations.