Pinoys in Malaysia light parols for Yolanda victims, thank Malaysians for aid

Tags: typhoon yolanda
Filipinos in Malaysia on Monday lighted Christmas lanterns (parol) for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), which flattened cities and towns in central Philippines last Nov. 8.

A statement from the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur said the Filipinos also thanked the Malaysian government for the assistance it extended to the thousands of families affected by the super typhoon.

“We have been overwhelmed and moved by the outpouring of solidarity for those affected by the typhoon, and this commemoration of Christmas, a season of faith and sharing, provides a fine opportunity to say ‘salamat’ (terima kasih) to all those who stood steadfast with the Filipino people,” Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said.

Close to 6,000 people perished from Yolanda, while millions of others were displaced, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

To aid the displaced and injured, Malaysia pledged P44,040,000 in cash to the Department of Social and Welfare Development. It also sent non-cash aid such as medics, search and rescue teams, and various co-relief items.

Present during the parol-lighting ceremony were members of Malaysian government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other partners who sent aid to Yolanda victims are invited to the ceremony.

The guests of honor included Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Tan Sri Most Reverend Murphy Nicholas Xavier Pakiam and Ministry of International Trade and Industry Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta. Maria.

Through carols and other performances, these officials were given the chance to experience “how the Philippines celebrates the Christmas holidays” and were lauded for their relief efforts.

“While we continue to pray for and help out those who were affected by the typhoon, the Philippine Government has launched major programs for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of affected areas. Let the lights of the parol lanterns be the symbol of hope and resilience for those affected by the storm,” Malaya said. — Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News

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