To aid regions in the country ravaged by previous typhoon Ulysses, the University of the Philippines Katilingban sa mga Anak Mindanao (UP Kalinaw) raises a total of Php 20, 763.30 through their Mindanao-based Kahiusa donation drive.

UP Kalinaw’s Kahiusa donation drive is an initiative launched by the members of the nonprofit youth organization. The relief effort aimed to collect monetary donations for the victims of the typhoon Ulysses.

Last November 25, the organization raised a sum of Php 20, 763.30 which has been donated to their four Luzon-based beneficiaries. The effort was achieved thanks to the various people who have contributed.

Each receiving Php 5, 190.82, UP Kalinaw’s donation drive beneficiaries include The Playhouse Project, #KayaYanCagayan Donation Drive, UP Anna na Cagayan, and UP Kaisa (K1). 

The donations of the youth organization hopes to assist those affected by the calamity, including vulnerable communities and displaced families. 

Kathryn Cutler, Assistant Vice President for External Affairs, expressed how seeing the events unfold made it necessary for the organization to give back to those in need and care for the larger community.

“We hope that the spirit of compassion we had when holding KAHIUSA can encourage fellow Mindanaoans to be united in serving others, regardless of origin or ethnic group,” Cutler said.

Meanwhile, UP Kalinaw VP for External Affairs and Kahiusa Externals Head Jonette Manalo said that the relief effort is the materialization of the organization’s commitment to being of service to the Filipinos in need.

“We might not have experienced the wrath of the recent typhoons here in Mindanao but we believe that this does not isolate us from the struggles of the people in Luzon,” Manalo said.

The VP for External Affairs further mentioned that being the only recognized organization of Mindanaoan students in UP Diliman, UP Kalinaw aimed to raise awareness not just about the current situation in Mindanao, but also of the country.

“As Mindanaoans, we are always for genuine inclusivity and service. Hence, we would always find effective ways to extend our help and resources to anyone who is in need,” Manalo added.