One of the stalls at the charity bazaar yesterday.
DOHA: Filipino organisations in Qatar are raising funds for victims of recent calamities in the Philippines.
The newly-established United Filipino Entrepreneurs in Qatar (UFEQ) held yesterday its first charity bazaar whose proceeds would be go to victims of the recent earthquake in Bohol and Cebu and of the crisis in Zamboanga.
More than 200 people died and over 700 were injured by the quake which affected 3.1 million people and damaged infrastructure worth 1.4bn peso, according to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Annie Barcelona Esmer, UFEQ Chairman, said the money raised through rentals for the booths at the bazaar would go to victims of these calamities. Over 50 booths participated in the ‘Halloween Party and Bazaar for a Cause: Let’s Unite & Help Rebuild Bohol, Cebu and Zamboanga’ at the Philippine School Doha.
Filipino food, kitchen appliances and ready-to-wear items were some of the products sold. Unlike other fundraisers, entry to the bazaar was free and souvenir items were distributed to visitors through a raffle draw.
Another highlight was a Halloween costume contest in which three winners were chosen for cash prizes.
Other Filipino organisations as well as companies also took part in the fundraiser.
Having secured accreditation recently, UFEQ has 17 members who are licensed Filipino entrepreneurs.
The group has lined up events until next year.
“The imminent event we will be organising is a year-end countdown on December 31 in which we will join the Philippines to celebrate the New Year. It will include a group dance contest for Filipino organisations and we will provide prizes for winners,” said Esmer.
Aside from UFEQ, many Filipino organisations are working on raising funds for the areas affected by disasters in the Philippines.
Last month, the United Filipino Organisations in Qatar, through its Chairman Jhin Tabuzo, called on its more than 100 member organisations to set up an UFOQ General Fund for victims of recent and future calamities in the Philippines.
The Peninsula
