This, and much, much more, is what remains of Leyte, Samar, and other parts of the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda or Haiyan. As a friend of mine stated, it really isn't enough to tell people to "stay indoors" and "prepare for the worst" these days-- the worst was clearly beyond anyone's wildest imaginings, beyond anything we've ever thought possible or encountered. My heart mourns in so much grief over what a lot of my countrymen are experiencing -- thousands of families separated from each other, massive loss of homes and livelihood, and dealing with an undeniable health crisis and utter starvation... it is incredibly too much to bear.
But what really baffles me and everyone I know is the staggeringly slow trickle of aid and support coming in for the very hard-hit areas. It's been 5 days since Yolanda has made landfall in Leyte, and it is crazy to note that there are still corpses littering the roads, very few relief centers and shelters, and still a dire need for food and water... If they're having a hard time getting to the main cities, how much more for those in the far-flung areas?
I do agree with the consensus of the many--this isn't the time to rant, or pinpoint fingers at whoever deserves the flak or blame. It's time to move, and our help can't come any sooner. I urge everyone to give until it hurts; to care and extend your help where it is needed.
LOCAL UPDATES AND INITIATIVES
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of civilian individuals and associations that have mobilized as one to help out in the ongoing relief efforts. I'm truly touched with the urgency of the response from Cebuanos and Filipinos all over the country as well-- a lot of IG photos can attest that grocery shelves are running on empty because just about everyone is scrambling to pick up items for their relief pack contributions.
Here's only a few those, which I've collated from friends and other groups online.
PHILIPPINE RED CROSS
One of the best ways to help out, locally or internationally, is through the Philippine Red Cross. They already have an extensive network of ground personnel deployed, and a lot of the private relief efforts are also endorsed to them eventually.
Hello, friends in Cebu! We hope you could join hands with the entire UP community this Friday as we unveil a party like no other--a PACKING PARTY! We've already deployed 6,000 relief packs and hope to get to 15,000 --we can do it with your support! Bands, DJS and hundreds of packers will be there to help.
I'll also be hosting this event, so I'll see you there!
MADTV #ReliefPH Hangout
VARIOUS DROPOFF CENTERS
Establishments like The Chillage Store and the Handuraw Pizza Cafe have also doubled as relief dropoff centers at this point--and they're only a couple of the many places who have done so. Make sure to check out the other centers and efforts near you!
NATIONWIDE and INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS
(Many thanks to my friend Issa of Issa, Please for this extensive list)
NATIONAL
- DSWD is accepting donations: NAIA Chapel Road, Pasay City (at the back of CAAP)
- Roel Montesa – 09263469927, roelmontesa@gmail.com
- Elma Pille - ecpille@dswd.gov.ph
- Cash deposits accepted – DSWD Bank Acct. at Landbank of the Philippines Nos. 3122-1011-84 (current) and3124-0055-81 (savings) Fe Catalina Ea – 09186281897
- Repacking of relief goods ongoing at DSWD-NROC, Pasay City. Interested volunteers can call 8512681 to schedule.
- Roel Montesa – 09263469927, roelmontesa@gmail.com
- World Vision, an international Christian humanitarian, development and relief organization is accepting donations for Typhoon Yolanda survivors. Donor hotline 372-7777 or visit their website
- Operation Walang Iwanan - Gawad Kalinga
- World Food Programme Philippines is accepting donations through their website
- ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya pledge lines (02) 411-0183, 411-0182, 411-0115
- You may also SMS donations by texting RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899(Globe) or 4143(Smart)
- Cebu Provincial Government, is in need of volunteers to repack relief goods for Northern Cebu, Leyte, and Bohol. Contact Ms. Evelyn Senajon at 254-7198 and 254-8397, PSWDO, Ground Floor Executive Bldg., Cebu Provincial Capitol.
- The Office of Senator Bam Aquino, Extension Room 23, 5/F Senate of the Philippines, GSIS Financial Complex, Pasay City, is accepting donations Monday to Thursday from 9am – 6pm. ContactMr. Ares Goyena at(0917)621-6311.
OVERSEAS/ONLINE
- For the Ayala Foundation‘s ‘Laging Handa Fund’, overseas donors can use this online portal for donations.
- ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity that provides emergency shelter and life-saving supplies to families around the world who are affected by disasters. Donations are welcome through its website. Know more about their efforts in the Philippines for victims of typhoon Yolanda (international codename Haiyan) here.
- De La Salle University‘s Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) is accepting web-based donations from overseas individuals via GlobalGiving.com. Credit and debit card donations accepted. Contact Joseph Rosal, Coordinator for Community Engagement, COSCA at 525-4267 or local 147 for more information.
- The Catholic Relief Services is accepting donations through their website and through Caritas Filipinas Foundation.
- Victory is accepting online donations for Yolanda relief efforts via BPI Express Online or credit card.
- Save the Children is collecting donations through its website. Save the Children has a team on the ground in Tacloban working to respond to this emergency.
- UNICEF is accepting online cash donations thorugh its website.
- The 1000 Bear Hugs Project is accepting huggable-sized toys for Tacloban children from November 8 to December 9. Drop-off points for pre-loved toys will be announced on their Twitter profile shortly. Email 1000bearhugs@gmail.com or contact Mon Corpuz at (0917)796-1378
