ILLINOIS STANDS BY THE PHILIPPINES IN THE WAKE OF SUPER TYPHOON HAIYAN

Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim conveyed the Filipino people’s appreciation to U.S. government officials in Illinois who came out with their expressions of sympathy and support for the grieving nation in the aftermath of super typhoon Haiyan.
Governor Pat Quinn last Friday issued a statement that “our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Philippines and their loved ones here in Illinois as Super Typhoon Haiyan churns across Southeast Asia,” adding that, “we stand ready to assist in any way possible.”

In his official website, Senator Dick Durbin said, “The aftermath of the storm is of special concern for members of the large Filipino-American community in the Chicago area who are worried about family and friends. My thoughts are with the many families who have loved ones affected by this catastrophic storm.”
Senator Mark Kirk’s tweet yesterday asked followers to keep the people of the Philippines in their thoughts and prayers. He also thanked the Red Cross and the Pacific Command for supporting Haiyan relief efforts.
Yesterday, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel approached Consul General Herrera-Lim at Veterans Day celebration in Chicago to express his sympathy and support for the Philippines and the Filipino community in Chicago.
The Consulate last Friday issued an appeal for solidarity, and donations from the Filipino-American community, as well as Chicago-based charity organizations and companies, quickly began to pour in to assist the Philippines in coping with the tragic disaster, which has claimed so many lives and inflicted massive damage to infrastructure, property and livelihood of millions of Filipinos.
Amazed by the level of response, Consul General Herrera-Lim said that while the calamity has left the Filipino people struggling to comprehend the extent of the destruction and the prospects for the future, they are greatly comforted and encouraged by the kind words and gesture of true friends.