Letter to the editor

This pertains to Ramon Tulfo’s article published today where he challenged militant partylist groups like Anakbayan, Bayan Muna, Gabriela and Anakpawis to rally their constituents not victimized by the typhoon to help the victims of tropical storm Ondoy. He also posed a question asking about presence of the representatives of party-list groups at this time when they’re most needed.

While we would like to keep our efforts behind the lens of the cameras, it would only be most fair to recognize the support of the volunteers and partners of Gabriela Women’s Party and Rep. Liza Maza who have selflessly shared their time and resources in the ongoing Bayanihan ng Masa Relief Drive and Mission.. This relief drive has been launched last September 27 to call for volunteers and donations to respond to the immediate needs of thousands of victims of this disaster, most of whom are women, children and the elderly.

Since Monday, the Bayanihan ng Masa and Gabriela Women’s Party have visited and delivered relief goods in Brgys. Bagong Silangan, Nagkaisang Nayon, and Batasan, Quezon City; Brgy. Sta. Ana, San Mateo, Rizal; Sitio Olandes, Brgy. IVC, Marikina City, and Brgy. 86, Caloocan City; among others. Together with Makabayan Coalition, we have also conducted a cleanup drive in Brgy. Tumana, Marikina City.

Bayanihan ng Masa Relief Drive and Mission will continue to call for volunteers to gather support and extend aid and services to the victims.

In the same light, Rep. Liza Maza has also challenged President Arroyo to immediately release the still-unreleased Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for the relief and rehabilitation of calamity

victims. ###