A vital assistance program was launched to aid Filipino expatriates affected by the COVID-19 health crisis.

Dubai, UAE – The Filipino Social Club (FilSoc) has initiated “FilSoc Cares”, an assistance program to aid more than 7,000 Filipino expatriates hit hard directly or indirectly by the crisis. The program with License No. 112 issued by the Dubai Government through the Community Development Authority (CDA) aims to provide grocery items, packed meals, medicines, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to Filipinos and even to Non-Filipinos residing in Dubai and neighboring Emirates.

Due to the COVID-19 disease, many non-essential businesses had to close temporarily, resulting in some companies having to lay off employees or reduce employees’ wages to cope with the financial impact. These consequences urged the club to extend a helping hand to those in need.

Spearheaded by the FilSoc president Mr. Ericson P. Reyes with the board members and club members, they distributed more than 900 food and relief packs to recipients living in Al Satwa, Al Karama, Bur Dubai, and Deira.

“The identified recipients are Filipino workers who were laid off, under ‘no work, no pay’ schemes, or whose salaries are cut drastically. We initially identified 7,000 Kabayans, but the list is still growing longer.” President Reyes said.

“There will be more deliveries to happen as we collaborate with the local government departments, charity institutions, and the Philippine Embassy to ensure that we can reach as many Kabayans in need as possible.” Mr. Cesar B. Mora, the Vice-president, and the club’s Membership Committee Chairperson affirmed.

FilSoc received an outpour of donations such as in-kind food supplies from Kabayans since the project started. Club members also showed their support by preparing the meals, packing goods, and distributing them.

“We are very grateful to the benevolent donations we received as well as for all the volunteers who responded to our call for help. Because we believe that together we can make things happen.” Mr. Reyes added.

Another program called “Adopt A Family” was approved and duly licensed by the CDA and is in the process of implementation. “Our team will assess and select less-fortunate families by providing them food and various essential items during the entire month of Ramadan.” Ms. Matilyn V. Bagunu, the club’s PRO stated.