The Philippine Business Association of Alberta recently provided free meals to about 500 Filipino evacuees affected by the wildfires in the Northwest Territories.
The “Bayanihan” spirit was seen when Filipinos did not hesitate to help their “kababayans” in need.
Fil Canadians flee Yellowknife over wildfires near town
“I hope that [they] We will also take care of other Filipino compatriots in Alberta,” said Christopher Valerio, one of the evacuees. “Some of them sleep in their cars for days because they cannot find accommodation due to the large number of evacuees.”
Meanwhile, the city of Edmonton has announced that it will no longer accept new registrations for wildfire evacuees.
Since Aug. 18, nearly 6,700 people have been recorded displaced by the wildfires, with about 3,400 staying in hotels in Edmonton.
The number is more than twice as high as originally planned.
Valerio said evacuees like him are in difficult financial situations and need all the help they can get.
The Philippine Consulate General in Calgary has urged Filipinos to contact them with information on their status and the provision of assistance.
“We are ready to help them,” Consul General Zaldy Patron said. “We have also made the Assistance to National form available to our community leaders and volunteers in Edmonton who are helping wildfire victims.”
The state of emergency in the Northwest Territories has been extended until September 11.
Filipinos who need assistance can contact the consulate at calgarypcg.atn@gmail.com or via the emergency number 587-577-1524.
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