Uthman Foundation provides relief goods to fire victims in Basilan

By Jun Enriquez

The relief goods

Isabela City, Basilan – still fresh in the minds of the people in Isabela City, Basilan of a disastrous fire was blown up on June 18, 2016 which burned 560 houses in the two Barangays at the heart of the city particularly in Barangay Kaumpurnah Zone II and Barangay Kaumpurnah Zone III. Unknown to the residents during the time of the disaster, the cause of fire was the overloaded electric circuit. There were 560 houses burned comprising 914 families affected but no one was injured or casualty during the incident. The Local Government of Isabela City had extended the immediate concerns for the reconstruction of houses for the affected residents of the two Barangays.

Director Zainodin Omar Lomala

The Uthman Bin Affan Foundation for Development, Relief, Da’wah & Education, Incorporated, based in Iligan City had conducted relief operation on October 13, 2016 in Isabela City, Basilan, Philippines. Foundation Director Zainodin Omar Lomala, said “we provided heartily a relief operation in the province of Basilan because we want to share our Blessings to the people who are victims of the fire. We want to help them realize that in times of their problems there is someone they can have the support and lean on.”

The relief operation was conducted by the staff of the UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION which lasted for two days in partnership with the SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT, ULAMA COUNCIL and the ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF ISABELA headed by the Honorable Mayor Al-Qaid “Ochoy” Akbar.

The relief goods ready for distribution

During the relief operation each affected household received one package relief goods aggregated into 10 kilos of rice; 3 kilos of Sugar; 1 cartoon pack of Meme noodles; 1 kilo of Salt; 2 pcs. bath soap;  3 bars of Detergent Laundry soap; 1 pc. Blanket; 1 pc. t-shirt; 1 pc. Levis jeans; 5 pcs. Sardines; 1 pack of coffee. The total amount of the relief goods given to the beneficiaries worth to at least PhP 1.3 Million which source of funds was coming from Qatar Charitable Eid.

The UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION is a non-stock organization, non-profit organization registered from the Government in which it helps a diversity of people like giving donations for the people in time of need.

Its vision, A charitable Organization leading and seeks to fulfill its mission and perform through the advocacy of Development, Relief, and education for the Islamic peoples; Fulfill needs through Comprehensive sustainability with the partnership of others and looking toward leadership and excellence. Its mission, Work with the leaders in all fields of development with the advocacy of Relief and Education for Muslim countries. Director Lomala said the coverage of UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION is majority concentrated in the area of MINDANAO. The foundation has branches in Ilo-ilo, Cebu, and Tawi-tawi.

Director Zainodin O. Lomala extended his thanks, “In behalf of the UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION, we want to thank the Social Welfare and Development, Ulama Council and the Administration of the City Mayor in the city of Isabela for having a partnership with our Relief operation conducted. The generous support of individuals like you makes it possible for our organization to exist and to make the community a great place to live.”

At right Director Zainodin Omar Lomala on prayer.

“This will not be done and given successfully to the beneficiaries without their physical assistance and skilled workers. Most especially above all,  the Almighty ALLAH for letting and giving us more power and strength to do this operation, also to the Charitable Eid of Qatar where the source of funds came from.  Hopefully they will help more people under their charity in order to assist many people’s lives. We are gratified that Chritable Eid of Qatar believed in our work enough to give us a grant. Thank you for your trust in us.” Director Lomala indeed stated. Photos by Jun Pacapat.