The UPLB administration has joined what has
become a global effort to raise funds and in-kind donations for survivors of
super typhoon Yolanda.
According to Vice Chancellor for Community
Affairs (OVCCA) Enrique Tolentino, UPLB has sent nine truckloads of in-kind
donations to the areas struck by typhoon Yolanda. UPLB had, in fact, been the
first among the CUs, to send a truckload of relief goods as early as Nov. 15.
An initial six trucks was sent through UP
Diliman that coordinated the distribution of relief items. One truckload was
brought to the Muntinlupa Warehouse of the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), while two truckloads of relief items were sent through the
LBC warehouse in Parian, Calamba. LBC offered free delivery services for the
relief goods that included groceries, mineral water, candles, matches,
clothing, bed sheets, medicines, tent, rice, and toiletries.
As the rebuilding efforts now begin in the
Yolanda-affected areas, cash donations are being encouraged.
According to OVCCA, which is coordinating
UPLB’s relief efforts, UPLB has received more than PhP 130,000 cash donations
as of Nov. 26. This amount excludes the donation from the UPLB-Foundation, Inc.
and other socio-civic organizations that gave donations through the OVCCA, or
through conduit national and local organizations, or directly to the victims
themselves.
Faculty members in different colleges are
contributing to the collective fund, and some student organizations are
conducting various fund-raising activities to support the tuition fees and
living allowances of UPLB students affected by the typhoon as well as students
from UP Tacloban who have cross-enrolled in UPLB.
UPLB has already waived the tuition fees of
about 30 students from Leyte and Samar who are enrolled in UPLB.
Cash donations may be deposited to the PNB
Los Baños branch account of the UPLB Foundation Incorporated (UPLBFI) with
number 212-8379-001-53 or given directly to the UPLBFI Office in A. Aglibut
Ave., UPLB, College, Laguna with telephone numbers (6349) 536-3688 and 536-6265.
Those who opt to deposit
cash donations at PNB should scan and email their deposit slip and send these
to uplbfoundation@uplbfi.org or to uplbfoundation@yahoo.com for the issuance of
receipts. (KE Araguas)
