UST ALUMNI groups and the Simbahayan Community Development Office have initiated donation drives and relief efforts for the victims of severe tropical storm “Kristine,” which has affected more than 2 million Filipinos.
On Oct. 23, the Thomasian Alumni Community Foundation Inc. and the UST Alumni Association Inc. (USTAAI) rolled out the “Tomasino Para sa Kapwa Pilipino” disaster relief operations for typhoon-hit areas in Capalonga, Camarines Norte and Naga, Camarines Sur. 
Angie Tuazon, advocacy head for the USTAAI and UST Thomasian Alumni Leaders Association, told the Varsitarian that the initiative had gathered P70,000 in cash and in-kind donations as of Oct. 24.
The donations will be distributed through the dioceses covering Capalonga and Naga.
Alumni groups have also tapped into their advocacy funds to purchase relief goods. Feeding programs in Capalonga were led by May Jalgalado, wife of the late alumnus Dr. Walter Jalgalado.
The UST Simbahayan Community Development Office has launched its own “Tulong Tomasino” donation drive for those affected by typhoon “Kristine.”
In-kind donations such as canned goods, noodles, rice, water, toiletries, sanitary products, and medicine can be dropped off at the Tan Yan Kee Student Center lobby starting on Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Clothing donations will not be accepted.
Typhoon “Kristine” battered much of Luzon early this week, forcing a three-day class suspension at UST.
UST Legazpi
UST Legazpi, located in Albay, one of the areas severely affected by the typhoon, has also called for donations for affected families. The province received two months’ worth of rain in 24 hours and has been placed under a state of calamity.
It is accepting in-kind donations such as water, medicine, food packs, hygiene kits, and school supplies. Donations can be dropped off at the Center for Community Involvement, located in the St. Martin de Porres Building of UST Legazpi.
Students of UST Legazpi and UST Manila have initiated relief efforts to assist about 100 families or 2,129 affected individuals in Barangay Pantaon in Albay.
This student-led initiative calls for donations of non-perishable food, clothing, medicine, cash, and other essential supplies.
Typhoon “Kristine” exited the Philippine area of responsibility on Friday afternoon, leaving behind at least 13 dead and affecting more than 2.6 million, including 239,000 staying in evacuation centers, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Ella Mae A. Sison
