Mindanao NGO starts Japan relief campaign

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Japan might be mighty economically but it needs all the help it can get today for the areas devastated by last month’s killer quake and tsunami, a Mindanao non-government organization said Saturday.

Gus Miclat, executive director of the Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), issued the statement as it announced the launching of the group’s relief campaign for Japan.

The Filipino-owned Myaxe Musical Instruments Co., which produces hand-crafted guitars, also announced a similar fund drive.

In a statement, the Beijing-based firm owned mostly by Davaoeños, said it would donate 30 percent of guitar sales to the Japan relief effort.

“This is an opportunity for everyone to help those who are suffering. We were lucky because we were not the ones devastated. Let us show our gratitude by giving to those who need help,” said Maggie Hao, a Myaxe executive.

“Even a mighty Japan needs our help… the magnitude of the disaster is staggering and relief needs will continue to grow,” Miclat said.

He said the IID calls for donations of specific relief goods—bottles of lotion, cotton buds, hand cream, toothpaste and toothbrushes, towels, underwear and diapers for both children and adults—aside from cash that can be used to purchase other basic needs of those in the disaster areas.

Miclat said the donated goods and cash will be turned over on April 23 to the Peace Boat, a Japanese NGO that also works with the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict as IID does.

“IID will mobilize its partners based in Metro Manila to turn over one thousand peace cranes as a symbol of the Filipino people’s wish for healing in Japan. There is a tradition in Japan that says one-thousand folded cranes gives the folder one wish. The event will be held when Peace Boat docks in Manila,” Miclat said.

He said IID also seeks to gain support from its local partner organizations for the relief drive.

“Cash donations can also be deposited through IID’s checking account with the Metropolitan Bank under account number 358-3-35808090-2,” Miclat said.

Miclat said the best that Filipinos could do in connection with the Japan crisis is to “show our appreciation for the Japanese people’s generosity by doing whatever we can to express concrete forms of solidarity in their dire moment of need.”

“It will be a momentous occasion for the Filipino to show moral support to the Japanese people’s struggle,” he added.

“These are ominous times for the world and we must never give up hope, continue to care for each other, and live for tomorrow. Voices of hope must be heard and messages of empathy should be spread,” Miclat said.