Filipinos based in Italy offered a mass for their families affected by the onslaught of tropical storm “Ondoy”

Hundreds of Filipinos joined the mass celebrated at the Basilica of Sta. Pudenziana to pray for the safety of their families in the Philippines.

Some OFWs lighted candles while others prayed silently for their loved ones back home. They also prayed for the safety of Filipino seafarers.

Gilbert Villanueva is just one of the many OFWs who are worried about their families back in the Philippines.

"Nakakatakot po na iyon ang nangyari sa Pilipinas at sana po maka-recover," said Villanueva.

"S’yempre naaawa ako at nahahabag din sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo sa ating mga kapatid sa Pilipinas dahil sa hirap pa ng buhay sa atin," said another OFW named Jun.

The non stop rain flooded many areas in Metro Manila and other provinces and resulted to deaths and displacement of countless residents.

"Ang feeling ko bilang isang mamamayang Pilipino dito sa Roma, nakakalungkot kaya nagpa-participate sa mga tao na gustong magbigay ng tulong sa Pilipinas," said Ryan Asinas.

Robert Sanchez is worried about his wife and three children living in Pasig City.
 
"Parang masakit na ang pamilya ko lahat nandon tatlong babae at iyong panganay may anak pa na mahirap isipin na ang paghihirap hindi ko sila matutulungan," Sanchez said.

Fund-raising drive set
Meanwhile, Sentro Pilipino has passed around a donation box for those willing to help typhoon victims in the Philippines.

“Masakit ang ating kalooban dahil marami sa kanila ang nasawian ng palad, buhay at nawalan ng bahay dahil sa baha kaya ang ating komunidad kaya ang Sentro Pilipino naglulunsad ng fund-raising," said Fr. Romeo Velos, Chaplain of Sentro Pilipino.

The Philippine Embassy in Italy also promised to participate in gathering donations to help Filipinos affected by the storm.

"It was really sad ng nanood ako kahapon ng TV. I'm ready to ask Manila what goods, needs and donations for the Philippines," said Ambassador Philippe Lhuillier.