To my fellow Filipinos, concerned individuals and lovers of Aklan,

On 22 June 2008, our beautiful province of Aklan was struck by typhoon “Frank” flooding out most of our communities and causing unprecedented damage to a large portion of our agriculture, roads, bridges, buildings, homes and more importantly this unfortunate calamity caused the lost of lives as 48 were already confirmed dead, some are injured, missing and most of our families are left homeless. The Municipality of Kalibo, our province’s capital suffered the worst destruction, the whole town is practically covered with mud.

As of this date the majority of our municipalities comprising the Province of Aklan have no safe drinking water and electricity and this may continue for many months as efforts to rehabilitate damaged distribution systems are ongoing. In fact, we’re having a hard time reaching out because everything was cut-off from communications.

I am writing to humbly appeal to your hearts for help…Help us see light from the darkness of our surroundings…feed us with your kindness….quench our thirst for hope…touch others hearts so they may also hear our plea for help. Please help us rebuild our towns; our municipalities…help us rebuild Aklan. Slowly with your help, we can rebuild our beautiful province and restart our lives…

More help is needed to assist families affected. Our people need clothes, food, medicines and most importantly, safe drinking water. Just to give you information, a 5 liter water is now selling in Kalibo for P350 since Water System was also destroyed… a tricycle ride is P150….. a kilo of rice is Php180, 1 pack of ordinary candles is Php 100.00 , etc.

Victims from the calamity are in need of basic commodities and whatever you are willing to give or contribute. Listed below are the things our people need most:

1. Safe drinking water
2. Food/Canned goods
3. Rice
4. Noodles
5. Medicines
6. Clothes
7. Shoes/Slippers
8. Sleeping Mats
9. Blankets
10. Towels
11. Katol or insect repellant
12. Candles and matches
13. Soap, shampoo, tooth paste & tooth brush
14. Old toys
15. Books
I hope that you can spare your time to help us. The little things you may not need in your homes maybe a big help for us.
I will also take this opportunity to thank all the kind people who have donated and contributed; the outpouring support you have given us made us realize that there is still hope after all that’s lost.
Thank you very much for your Kind Donations and God above will return what you have given in more than many ways.
Should you wish to send your donations, and will be highly appreciated to send them in kind at Rm. 501 Catleya Condominium, 235 Salcedo St. Legaspi Village, Makati. You may also get in touch with us at telephone number: (632)-8928809 or email us at aklanpgo@yahoo.com.
Please spread the word so people willing to help can call us.

Sincerely,

CARLITO MARQUEZ