MANILA (12 Jan 2012) – The recent charity match between the Philippines selection team and Spanish third division side CF Internacional de Madrid (CFIM), has raised more than PHP550,000 (USD12,000) for victims of storm Sendong which hit the country recently.
The charity match was organized for the benefit of the victims of tropical storm Sendong, which ravaged southern Philippines last month. More than 8,000 fans thronged the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila to watch the game in which CFIM won 3-1.
“We’re happy that we’ve won but of course the main winner here is the victims of tropical storm Sendong. We’re very happy to contribute,” said Garcia Fernandez.
The Philippines selection side is composed of players from the Azkals and also from the United Football League (UFL).
The visiting Spanish side nailed the opener through a 15th minute penalty when Rufino Sanchez struck home before doubling their lead in the 32nd minute off Garcia Fernandez through a quick counter attack.
Early in the second half, the home team fell further behind when Ignacio Buenache Feijoo found the back of the net. James Younghusband then gave the Philippines something to cheer when he headed home in the 61st minute for the final score line.
During the halftime break, Molina and CFIM president Stephen Newman turned over more than P550,000 to the Philippine Red Cross and the ABS-CBN Foundation for the benefit of the victims in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City.
“I want to thank all the fans who came to support a good cause, in a way, football has contributed. We’re very thankful for having given that opportunity,” said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta.
“On 21 January, we’ll have a game against a second division side from South Korea. The more we have games here, the more we can raise funds.”
