PSL forms Phl-S Africa mission for relief effort

MANILA, Philippines - Officers of the Philippine Swimming League, led by chairman and Consul (a.h.) of Georgia in the Philippines Buddy Cunanan and PSL medical director Rodrigo Ong,have formed the joint Philippine–South African humanitarian mission for typhoon-ravaged Leyte – composed of the Philippine Coast Guard, Rescue Team 926, Inc, and The Gift of the Givers Foundation of South Africa.

This was announced by PSL president Susan Papa who said the joint Phl-South African mission will help in providing medical services on top of relief goods to hard-hit areas in Tacloban.  

The Philippine Coast Guard is an agency of the Department of Transportation and Communication, while Rescue Team 926, Inc. is a private Philippine emergency response unit composed of volunteer medical personnel. The Gift of the Givers Foundation is South Africa’s biggest and most active non-government organization that frequently sends humanitarian missions to disaster-stricken areas all over the world.  

“This is a historic moment for the Philippines and South Africa as this is the first time that Filipinos and South Africans will be working together in such a noble endeavor,” said Consul Cunanan. “It is most inspiring to see South Africans care so much about Filipinos. The Coast Guard is proud to have them on board as allies,” added Admiral Isorena.

The participation of the Philippine Coast Guard was approved by PCG Commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena. Dr. Ong, the medical director of Rescue Team 926 Inc., was responsible for his organization’s involvement, while the deployment of the South African contingent was made possible by Consul Cunanan and his international network, particularly with Honorary Philippine Consul in Cape Town, South Africa, Steven Chaimowitz, who was vital in the contact with the Gift of the Givers Foundation.

In the mission to Leyte, Philippine Coast Guard and Rescue Team 926 Inc. medical personnel will be augmented by 20 South African doctors and trauma nurses who arrived in Manila on Nov. 15 from Johannesburg and brought over six tons of supplies, relief goods, and medical equipment.

According to Dr. Ong, who is commanding the joint Philippine–South African task force, the medical personnel will be divided into three groups. The first group  proceeds overland to Leyte today. The second batch will fly to Cebu  tomorrow and from there link up with PCG fast vessels that will ferry them to Tacloban. The third batch will sail aboard a PCG ship from Manila directly for Tacloban on Nov. 20 and will be bringing 200 tons of relief goods and supplies.

“There is difficulty in getting to Leyte but we are deploying as fast as possible, using any means available, to reach the survivors and bring them aid and comfort. Time is of the essence,” stressed Dr. Ong.

“We are very touched by the response of our friends from the across the sea who have come to our aid in this moment of crisis,” said Consul Cunanan. “This bodes well for Philippine-South African relations especially since the PSL will go to Cape Town early next year – the first time a Philippine swimming team will officially compete in South Africa, perhaps even the entire continent. Our mission to Leyte is the start of a long and fruitful relationship with South Africans, one that will also be founded on athletic excellence.”