Task Force Noah: COTABATO - Help for the flooding survivors in Mindanao

Update as of July 1st on the Cotabato floods can be found here.

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Reposting this emailed appeal from Simbahang Lingkod Bayan, a faith-based, Jesuit-run non-government organization who is engaged in various disaster response initiatives. Photo below is from the SLB website www.slb.ph taken by their program manager for disaster response.


The number of families and individuals in the evacuation sites in Cotabato City is not decreasing despite the decrease in rainfall. The piling up of the water hyacinths covering an area of estimated 10 hectares clogged all tributaries of the watershed and thus flood level remains almost the same for the past seven days. The local government are trying to clear Rio Grande de Mindanao from water hyacinths, but the massive volume of hyacinths will require two (2) full weeks. With another threat of tropical cyclone passing our territory the next 24 hours bringing heavy rains in Mindanao according to PAGASA, the evacuees will have to bear the ordeal much longer. The situation in the various evacuation sites visited by our personnel is getting worse. More kids are getting sick, food shortage is common, potable water supply is unpredictable, sanitation is a major concern. Very few organizations are helping in the relief operations.

More Cotabato flooding pictures can be found here.

Our brothers and sisters are waiting for our urgent assistance. The Archbishop of Cotabato, Most Rev. Orlando Quevedo, OMI, DD has sent an appeal for assistance through the Social Action Center of the archdiocese. We appeal for the generosity of every Filipino out there to extend financial assistance and help our evacuees cope with the crisis. The evacuees are in need of the following:

1. Food and water supply.
2. Medical personnel and medicines.

How you can help?

1. DONATE IN CASH. Due to difficulty in transporting relief goods to the affected areas we are asking that donations be made in cash for the sake of efficiency. Kindly send by fax your validated deposit slip at (+63) 2 426-5968. And for proper acknowledgment please indicate your contact information (name of individual or organization, address, email, landline/mobile)

2. ORGANIZE A MEDICAL MISSION TEAM. SLB can assist in coordination with proper authorities and facilitate the transportation, if SLB's assistance is necessary.

For Cash Donation, you can visit the SLB office at Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan road, Loyola Heights Quezon City, or deposit to

SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account name/payee)
Bank of the Philippine Islands, Loyola Katipunan Branch
BPI PESO Checking Account Number 3081-1111-61
BPI Dollar Savings Account Number 3084-0420-12

Please pass this message to your friends and network.

For more information, please contact SLB hotlines: in Manila 426-5968, or mobile number 0949-733-7049, or email slb@admu.edu.ph

Manalangin.Manindigan.Makialam
Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan
Loyola House of Studies
Ateneo de Manila University