QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) — People from different walks of life gathered at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday, August 10, with a common goal to help fellow Filipinos affected by the conflict in Marawi City.
Dubbed as “Rebuilding Life in Marawi”, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in collaboration with the Eagle Broadcasting Corporation, Net25, Pinas FM 95.5, and other media partners spearheaded a fundraising concert for Marawi evacuees.
Popular singers and bands in the Philippine music industry rocked the concert stage for free to show their selfless support for the PRC’s humanitarian efforts for Marawi.
Some of the country’s top artists who performed on stage were Basti Artadi, Jason Dy, Reynan Dal-anay, Kyle Echarri, Lyca Gairanod, Bradley Holmes, Quest, Mitoy Yonting, Kiana Valenciano, Edray Teodoro, Sabrina and Paolo Santos.
The concert also featured the sought-after bands that have touched the hearts of many Filipinos, such as 6 Cyclemind, Callalily, South Border, Side A, Freestyle, Gab and John of Urbandub, Gracenote, Banda ni Kleggy, Tanya Markova, Miles Experience, Blue Jean Junkies, Autotelic, and Apartel.
“Hindi naman laging pera ang dapat pinag-uusapan. Kaya nagkakagulo dahil sa pera, pera lang ‘yan”, Mitoy Yonting said when asked why he agreed to perform for free.
“Sa mga kapatid natin diyan sa Marawi, pray lang kung ano man ang nangyayari, may plano ang Diyos para sa atin. I’m sure magtatapos yan, maghappy-happy tayong lahat” [To our fellowmen in Marawi, you should pray whatever happens, God has a plan for us. Im sure it will end, let’s all be happy], Yonting added enticing Marawi people to stay positive.
PRC projects and plans
Before the fund-raising concert, PRC has been active in sending humanitarian aid to Marawi by providing food, hygiene and sleeping kits, aside from other equipment. To provide access to clean water in evacuation areas, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities like portalets and temporary shower cubicles were also installed.
A Basic Health Care unit was also provided in the city to be used for immediate medical assistance and blood supply to injured individuals. Psychosocial support (PSP) service was also made available in evacuation areas to help restore family links.
According to Atty. Oscar Palabyab, PRC Secretary General, the organization is now in the phase of early recovery operations where the day-to-day needs of the evacuees are prioritized.
“Pagpa-planuhan pa lang namin ‘yung susunod na mas mahirap, which is the rebuilding of rehabilitation in Marawi,” Palabyab said.
After the “Rebuilding Life In Marawi” benefit concert, the PRC is looking forward to stage more concerts for a cause, thus appealing to the public to continuously help in donating for the rehabilitation of Marawi.
“We really ask for help kasi ‘yung mga pinamimigay natin, ire-replenish natin, pirmi hindi tayo pwedeng maputulan. We really have to build up our resources so we can respond properly,” Palabyab added.
The PRC still continues to accept donations and the mechanics for this can be found on their official website.
“Hindi pa ito ang katapusan, mayroon pa kayong pagkakataon para makatulong, bukas ang Red Cross para sa inyong ibibigay,” Palabyab stressed.
Jodi Bustos, Eagle News Service
Photos courtesy Janilo Bautista, EBC