The Department of Foreign Affairs and the local dailies have been publishing in complete detail the donations that have been received for the flood victims of Tropical Storm “Sendong.” Almost all the world has taken notice of the tragedy and given their share to ease the pain suffered by the victims; most noteworthy among the donors are the Filipinos living and working abroad.
With the money donated (last we heard P22 million), may we know who is responsible for its disbursement. In the past, we have had similar donations that, sad to say, were not properly accounted for, to say the least.
This time around, may we suggest to President Aquino that he form a task force composed of men and women of integrity to handle the dispersal of these funds, making sure they get to the right beneficiaries. With that amount, a charming little city can be built into a home for the thousands of victims Sendong left behind. Once we have built this wonderful community, we can show them to the whole world and the donors that their generosity has not been wasted. Please, let’s be transparent—for a change!
We have been clamoring for change. Let’s start here!
—MARCIA SANDOVAL,
naifartist@gmail.com