MANILA, Philippines – Refugees in Zamboanga displaced due to the clash between military forces and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are in dire need of help. 

According to Social Welfare Sec Corazon ‘Dinky’ Soliman, the Zamboanga siege has disenfranchised at least 118,000 individuals or 20,000 families as of Wednesday, September 25. 

About 12,000 families or 70,000 persons of the total affected civilians are staying at JFE Enriquez Sports Complex, currently the largest evacuation center in the city. 

Most of the affected families will be re-building their lives from scratch. 

Read: The song of Zamboanga 

Milagrosa Magalso, whose house in Sta Catalina was completely wiped out by fire, shared how the stand-off changed her life. 

“It’s hard to accept that we’ll have to start building our lives again from the ground up,” Magalso shared. 

The government has already earmarked P38.9 B, sourced from the calamity and contingent fund of the 2013 budget, to rebuild Zamboanga City.  Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have also organized related efforts for the city. 

DSWD  relief center operations

As of September 25, DSWD has already allocated P82.5 million for the relief operations in Zamboanga. 

At least 33 evacuation centers were set up to serve 18,011 affected families with 99,193 individuals. 

Families outside evacuation centers also continue to receive help and relief goods through the City Social Welfare and Development Office. 

Red Cross

“Besides losing their homes, many people have lost their livelihoods. They will need to rebuild their lives from scratch, which will take considerable time and effort,” said Philippine Red Cross (PRC) secretary-general Gwendolyn Pang. 

PRC and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), are working on the long-term response to displacement. 

Initially focusing at Joaquin F Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex, ICRC and PRC decided to expand their coverage to accommodate people affected in other areas. 

At the sports complex, the joint effort of ICRC and PRC also distributes meals for an average of 10,000 affected civilians.  Around 134,000 meals were served between September 9 and 21.  

PRC staff and volunteers, along with 20 volunteer medical students, are also providing health and hygiene promotion services for the displaced and training for the health volunteers in the sports complex. 

Ayala Foundation

In partnership with the Department of Education and the National Bookstore Foundation, the Ayala Foundation is currently raising donations for school supplies for the children of Zamboanga. 

People can donate through the following channels: 

• For local credit card holders: http://www.ayalafoundation.org/?ourprograms=laging-handa
• For US-Based Donors: http://feedthehungryphil.org/ayala-foundation-inc/
• For A-Deals Subscribers: http://www.adeals.ph/deals/1347-donate-for-calamity-funds
• For Bank Donations:
• ATM, online, mobile and over-the-counter transactions are accepted through our BPI account. (Account No.: 0011-1335-41;Merchant Name: Ayala Foundation, Inc.;Reference No.: D315004  + Donor’s Name)

Zamboanga universities

The Institute Legisltive Body of the Mindanao State University also started a campaign entitled “One shirt for Zamboanga.” 

“One shirt for Zamboanga” is calling for donations of used shirts for the affected civilians in Zamboanga. 

The Ateneo de Davao University is also accepting donations in the form of medicine, food, and clothing. Drop-off center for relief goods is at the Roxas Gate, near the Samahan Office at the Ateneo de Davao University, while the drop-off point for cash donations is at the Samahan Office. 

Refresh this page for latest information. – Rappler.com