By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

THE Typhoon Durian Relief efforts on Guam have officially closed with the presentation of a $12,000 check and the loading of the third and final shipment of goods donated by the generosity of island residents to the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines.
Lt. Governor Michael Cruz presented a check to the Philippine Consul General’s office and reminded everybody that disaster conditions and suffering continues to this day from the devastation caused by Typhoon Durian in December 2006.
"On behalf of the people of Guam and the Ayuda Foundation, we present this monetary and goods contribution to our neighbors in the Philippines to assist in the continuing recovery efforts," Cruz said.
Raquel Solano from the Philippine Consul General’s office gratefully accepted the check and donated goods on behalf of the Philippine government. She expressed appreciation to the Governor’s Office, government of Guam agencies, the Ayuda Foundation, the business community, and all the generous donors that contributed to this effort.
"It has been four months since the disaster, and the provinces are still impacted with homelessness and displacement issues. The contribution by the people of Guam alleviates the great emotional despair in dismal conditions," she said.
Ayuda Foundation’s Carlotta Leon Guerrero lauded the overwhelming response of island residents that resulted in three shipments of 40-foot containers of donated goods and monetary contributions to the Durian Relief Efforts.
The third shipment is made possible through the sponsorship of Kyowa Shipping Lines, represented by their agent Marianas Steamship Agencies (MSA).
Catherine Gutierrez of MSA/Kyowa Shipping Lines stated "As a corporate citizen, we remain committed to our long standing relationship with the Ayuda Foundation in providing shipping services of relief goods to those in need."
Ayuda Foundation advised that over the course of their relationship, over ten 40-foot containers have been shipped through the generosity of Kyowa Shipping Lines throughout Micronesia and now the Philippines.
Continental Airlines also assisted in providing air freight services of donated goods for the Durian Relief Effort.
The presentation took place at the loading dock of the A.B. Won Pat International Airport at the Main Terminal. The Airport Authority led the effort in the collection of donated goods for Operation Sharing Hope – Durian Relief Effort.