Media Reports

Weekend
BALITA
April 29 - May 2, 2006	Filipino newspaper in the USA	(Originally in English)

 

ARTESIA - We are just days away from seeing the participation of Filipino American activists as they join fellow advocates in the May 1 boycott and rally in downtown LA. This could go down in history as the “Mother of all Demonstrations.” As we put down our weekend stories, we were an eyewitness to many notices posted on walls, telephone booths and other available spaces all over the busy crossroads like Beverly Blvd. and Temple Street. The placards were in Pilipino, titled “BoyKot” and featured names of the spearheading organizations.

Yes, freedom is a manifestation of how all people come together at a most appropriate event to voice their concerns about the impending immigration reform bill in the United States Senate.

But departing momentarily from this top-botton issue, we got this positive note from our contact from the Ching Hai International Association, headed by the iconic humanitarian whose name is given accolades and kudos for Her concern for victims of natural disasters. This is not the first time we had an encounter with the venerable philanthropist known as Supreme Master Ching Hai. She did fundraisers and shows at the famous Shrine Auditorium several years ago (which were covered exclusively by this columnist) and other activities in the past for victims of disasters in the Philippines. Her latest act is again one of undiminished assistance that bespeaks Her passion to aid Filipinos in the homeland.

Let’s recall the scenario of Feb. 18. On the morning of that fateful day, the inhabitants of Guinsaugon, near the town of St. Bernard in Southern Leyte, were suddenly assaulted by a collapsing mountainside that buried the entire village and a crowded elementary school. Reports revealed that up to 1,800 villagers had perished; thousands of others were rendered homeless in the horrific aftermath. One could only imagine the impact of the disaster. The mud was 30 feet deep! Had it been just water, the resourceful swimmers could have survived. But who could swim out from under 30 feet of mud?

Local and international rescue teams, together with the staff brought by Supreme Master Ching Hai, immediately handed $72,000 to assuage the sufferings of the landslide victims. Not to be forgotten are their teams of Taiwanese rescuers who brought sophisticated equipment to track survivors under the mud. Also distributed were much needed supplies of food, water, tents, medical supplies, clothing and blankets. Indeed, it was a not just an earthful, but tearful, scenario. Ingrained in the hearts of the Filipinos was the image of this lady from a foreign land whose love for them soothed their aching hearts.

Remarks gleaned from the grateful Filipinos:

“I’m very happy and thankful for the Supreme Master’s work, for Her support to our students and the victims of the landslides.” — Rachel R. Cuevar, principal of San Juan National High School.

“Dear Supreme Master Ching Hai: On behalf of my fellow Filipinos, I would like to express our sincerest thanks for all the blessings and for all the love and for all the affections that You have shared with Filipinos, especially this calamity where many people suffered. Dear Supreme Master Ching Hai, I’ll always remember You, Your outpouring love for the people will always be there in our hearts.” — Joe Lad Santos, journalist.

“Well, good morning Supreme Master Ching Hai. I’d just like to let You know how much we appreciate You sending Your friends over to Manila to help the people of St. Bernard who suffered from this avalanche. I would like to thank You again for this effort that You have done for the Philippines, and hopefully, we will see You soon in Manila.”—Manuel L. Morato, former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chairman.

 

	1. Supreme Master Ching Hai, a consistent presence in global philanthropy, updated the press on Her recent activities at Her publicity office in Arcadia. She revealed to BALITA Her role in helping victims of the February landslide that buried the entire village of Ginasugon, including an elementary school, in southern Leyte, Philippines.
	2. Supplies brought by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association to aid the Leyte landslide victims.
	3. Supreme Master Ching Hai’s organization brought in truckloads of supplies for distribution to landslide survivors.

 

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