[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21471]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         EXTENDING CONDOLENCES TO THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDWARD R. ROYCE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 20, 2011

  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my condolences to the 
people of the Philippines in the aftermath of the destructive typhoon 
and flood that swept across Mindanao, devastating the coastal areas 
around Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Bukinon.
  This past weekend, Typhoon Washi struck the Philippines with 
turbulent winds, overwhelming the region with a month's worth of rain 
over just 12 hours. The heavy rain caused rivers to overflow and, in 
the middle of the night, the fast rising waters ravaged the populated 
villages. An estimated 167,000 Filipinos have been impacted, with 957 
losing their lives. Sadly, these numbers rise as each day passes.
  Right now, these areas are suffering from crowded evacuation centers, 
inundated medical facilities, and destroyed homes. As the Philippines 
and the United States have an historically close relationship, it is 
important to ensure that we assist the Filipino people as best we can, 
and help the many suffering rebuild and heal. The needs in these 
destroyed areas are substantial.
  I also commend the quick community efforts of U.S. based Filipino 
organizations, such as Kagay-anon International of Southern California 
(KISC), for answering the call to help. Within 24 hours, KISC already 
collected 15 boxes worth of clothing, food, and water. It is 
organizations like this that truly bring hope to those in need and make 
a difference in a crisis.
  Again, I express my deepest condolences to the people of the 
Philippines. As the holidays approach, know that we support and stand 
by you as you work to recover from this natural disaster.

                          ____________________