Florence, Italy (The Adobo Chronicles) – It is one of the world’s most famous statues, representing the Renaissance ideal of the male physique, but Michelangelo’s David is in danger of collapsing because of its weak ankles, new tests have revealed.

The Telegraph (U..K.) reports that Italian scientists have found tiny fractures in the statue’s ankles which means it is at risk of toppling over. The tests by the National Research Council and Florence University confirmed what has long been feared – that the celebrated work has been weakened over the centuries by its great weight.

Since the report was published last week, the Accademia Gallery in Florence which houses the famed sculpture has been flooded with phone calls and emails from concerned citizens throughout the world – from Australia to Latin America. Unsolicited donations came pouring in, mostly cash clipped inside get well cards written in many languages.

For its part, the Philippine government launched a nationwide relief campaign to solicit in-kind donations for the beleaguered David. Former Philippine First Lady and now member of Congress Imelda Romualdez Marcos volunteered to head the campaign.  Marcos has always been known to be a “patroness of the arts.”

In less than 24 hours after the campaign was launched, hundreds of packages have filled the temporary campaign headquarters at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Donations included high-priced antique chairs, bar stools, kitchen counter stools, designer wheelchairs and gold-plated crutches.

Filipinos sure know how to come to the aid of the ailing David.