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Philippines: Skål International pledges support for the Philippines

2013/11/12

Along with everyone around the world, Skål International is devastated by the horrendous loss of life and damage suffered by the Filipino people as a result of super typhoon Haiyan.

While international aid agencies and governments rush to supply much needed medical and humanitarian aid Skål International stresses the need for planning to instantly start on the rebuilding of the infrastructure, both at a local inclunding national level.

“Our experience with the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami was that while aid poured into the affected areas it was the rebuilding of infrastructure next the immediate “initial aid” that was so badly needed.” states Skål International World President, Karine Coulanges.

“We have by presently been in contact with our senior Skål personnel in the Philippines who advise that the capital Manila escaped critical damage, however cities across the central Philippines took the brunt of the wind and sea serge damage”.

Skål International Manila President & International Councillor for the Philippines, Patria Chiong is in contact with Manila based Skål personnel and endeavouring to make personal contact with clubs in Bacalod, Cebu, and Makati to check on their members and their families, inclunding establish the damage to the travel and tourism plant in the regions. An update is as well being prepared on the travel and tourism infrastructure that has not been damaged or affected so the word can go out to the industry that certain regions in the Philippines are open for business and ready and waiting to attract much needed tourist dollars.

In terms of action Skål International has set up a PHILIPPINES RELIEF fund so its 18,000 members from 85 nations along with friends and colleagues in the travel and tourism industry can contribute.

The fund will be established to offer financial assistance to one of additional appropriate projects in the affected regions. Skål International in association with Skål Philippines will select local projects and work with an on ground NGO to ensure oversight of the spending sees 100% of the funds invested into the project.

States Karine Coulanges “Next the 2004 Tsunami Skål International worked with the Skål organisations in India, Sri Lanka and Thailand using local NGO expertise overseen by Skål International personnel. We wanted to ensure the local people saw the full benefit of the funds raised. We want to be able to offer the Philippines the same opportunity.”

“We invite colleagues and companies from the travel and tourism industry to work with us in the project. Globally we all benefit from tourists travelling to destinations such as the Philippines and it is times like this that we can give back.”

The Skål International account for the PHILIPPINES APPEAL is:

Bank: BBVA
Country: Spain
Holder: Skål International (Philippines appeal)
Account number: 0182 0481 61 0201658720
SWIFT Code: BBVAESMM
IBAN: ES93 0182 0481 6102 0165 8720

For donations by credit card, please contact [email protected]

The account is based in Torremolinos, Spain and in Euro but we can receive donations in any currency.

SKAL is considered the Trusted Voice in Travel and Tourism

SKAL MISSION STATEMENT: Through our leadership, professionalism and friendship, work together to enhance our Vision, maximize networking opportunities and develop a Responsible Tourism Industry.

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