January 2002

Dear Friends,

Like many people all over the world, our hearts went out to the families who lost loved ones in the September 11 terrorist attack on the United States. At the same time we shared a genuine sense of helplessness and fear because we realize that those people could very well have been us.

Indeed these are difficult times, but these are also times that call for reaching out to those who are more severely affected by the violence and deprivation around us. Here in the Philippines, we likewise have victims of terror. For months now, a military campaign has been ongoing in the island of Basilan in Mindanao to flush out our own local band of terrorists, liberate their hostages and restore peace and order in the area. In the process, many people have died, numerous homes and farmlands have been destroyed , and countless innocent lives have been changed forever.

Amidst the climate of violence and fear in Basilan, it is the children who suffer most. Not only are their lives at great risk, but their very future is now uncertain. Many of them don't even finish their elementary education because they are too weak and hungry to go to school. They don't have those precious few pesos needed for transportation fare to their schools. They have no baon to give them nourishment, nor books, pencils or uniforms. Violence has robbed them of their innocence. Must their future be taken away as well?

In my personal capacity and Chairman of the Philam Foundation, I am appealing to your kind hearts to support the Aid for Basilan Children (ABC) Fund Drive. In partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress, we hope to raise funds for the educational support of the children of Basilan. With your donation, we can help provide school materials, nutritious meals and transportation fare so that they can go to school the whole year round.

Any amount that you give will go a long way towards giving them a brighter future through education.You can send your donations to the Philam Foundation through any office of Philamlife, Philam Plans or Philam Savings Bank nationwide.

May God look kindly on you and your family for sharing your blessings with the less fortunate in Basilan.

Maraming Salamat po.

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