Press Release No. EBB-21-2020
Jeddah PCG, Filipino Community hold Food Bank Drive for Filipinos Worst Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Jeddah, 2 April 2020- The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah (Jeddah PCG) and the OFW Council of Leaders (OCL), a federation of several Filipino community organizations in Jeddah, concluded on 31 March 2020 a Food Bank Drive to helpFilipinos who were worst-affected by the novel corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Consulate and OCL started the Food Bank Drive on March 17, a day after the Saudi government ordered the temporary suspension of work in the private sector as a preventive measure against the further transmission of COVID-19.
“We knew at that time that the work suspension in private companies will affect the livelihood of many Filipinos as a result of the ‘no-work-no pay policy’ that some employers may begin adopting to cushion the economic impact of the crisis.” Consul General Edgar Badajos said. “The economic toll will be felt by our kababayans sooner or later, so something has to be done to help fellow Filipinos cope with the situation,” he added.For his part, Director General Venecio Vano Legaspi of OCL said that his group immediately accepted the offer of the Consulate for partnership because “it is in line with OCL’s community advocacy.”
The Food Bank Drive was able to provide food packs raised from ninety-two (92) donor individuals and organizations to a total 1,249 Filipino beneficiaries, over a period of fourteen (14) days. Each food pack contained rice, noodles, canned goods, and bottled water.
With the continued temporary suspension in private companies, the Consulate and OCL are seriously considering a repeat of the Food Bank Drive.
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Donors of food items together with volunteers at the Jeddah PCG Hall
where food packs were store for distribution to Filipinos in need.
Volunteers from the OFW Council of Leaders deliver the food packs to Filipino beneficiaries to their homes.
Some of the recipients of Jeddah PCG and OCL’s Food Bank Drive.
Food Bank Drive donor Toshi Restaurant turning over some food items for the Food Bank.
Recipients of the Food Bank Drive with Social Welfare Attache Anna Oidem (5th from left).
Volunteers helping in the packing and distribution of food packs to Filipino beneficiaries.
Volunteers helping in the packing and distribution of food packs to Filipino beneficiaries.
