FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2012
Governor’s Cabinet Member, Lea Santos, travelled to the Philippines last week (using her own money) to turn over donations collected by Guamanians for typhoon victims.
The Filipino Community of Guam helped raise the generous donations for Typhoon Sendong victims in Cagayan de Oro City. With their partnership with the Ayuda Foundation, they also made it possible for the Maria Reyna-Xavier University Hospital to receive $360,000 worth of medical supplies and equipment.
The 40 ft. container of equipment is currently in transit to the university. Santos, Executive Director of the Guam Commission for Educator Certification, went to the Philippines to participate in the turnover ceremony. Santos worked with the Office of the President of the Philippines on this project, which is providing the necessary tax-free documentation for the donations and working with the recipient hospital.
“Guamanians are always ready to answer the call of our brothers and sisters in need,” said Governor Eddie Baza Calvo. “I’m thankful for Lea’s humanitarian efforts. She has led the way in assisting on an international level as she represents Guam at the turnover ceremony.”
Through a partnership with MedShare, a U.S. non-profit organization, the FCG has connected hospitals and manufacturers to provide much-needed equipment and supplies. MedShare collects unused medical items that are still valuable and redistributes them. All of the establishments they assist are underserved healthcare institutions throughout the world.
In addition, they also have partnered with the SMART cellular phone company. SMART will be taking care of all costs in the transportation of the container within the Philippines.
This is the second time a considerable donation like this was made from Guam. Two years ago, two containers containing $1.2M worth of medical supplies went to help victims of Typhoon Ondoy at the Eulogio Rodriguez Memorial Hospital in Marikina City, Metro Manila.
For more information, please call Raymond D. Gibson at 475-9309.
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