Remembering Haiyan

It's been only a few months since typhoon Haiyan (locally called Yolanda) ripped open the belly of the Philippines. It's been only a few months since the most perfect storm in the last 10 years unleashed it's fury and power on countless Filipinos: ending lives, destroying infrastructure and leaving many homeless and hungry. Yet In the midst of the pain, chaos and death, the Filipino people always find a reason to smile, a reason to laugh. As a nation, we have been tried and tested, and honestly, have been found wanting in many areas. But we have also been proven resilient, persevering, hopeful and caring as a people. The gift that Haiyan has given us is that we have been reminded of our strength and hope as Nation, awakening something that goes even beyond the Bayanihan Spirit of the Filipino; a sense of hope knowing that tomorrow will be better; knowing that our God has not forsaken or abandoned us.

It's only been a few months and the efforts in rebuilding, resettling and restoring the many areas affected by the typhoon have been demoted to passing mentions in TV news coverage and Broadsheets in lieu of seemingly more socially impacting issues of actors getting beaten up, new tele-seryes premiering and whatever will generate ratings. Media can't be blamed.The majority of Journalism practiced in our country seems to have evolved into a hyper-media tableau of tabloid-esque stories and escapist features. Freshness and timeliness are at the core of journalism mantra, and the Haiyan episode is so yesterday. Perhaps to them, it's nothing but history.

They fail to realize that history is being made.

The story of lives being rebuilt, homes being healed and everyday heroes rising up to meet the challenge of another sunrise probably is not ratings-worthy. Beyond the heightened drama, political intrigue and international scandal that came with the devastation of Haiyan there is life anew budding in the Belly of the Philippines. And that is why so many other people are still pouring much effort in to it.

They are witnessing history. And they are a part of it.

I know there are many other efforts continuing unrecognized and unsung by media, and I wish I knew all of them. But allow me to share with you some of the efforts I am aware of that are still running, and intend to run until the many different communities are restored and rehabilitated:

Never Give Up Ph is an online community movement that started as a facebook page sending video messages and pictures of support to the Philippines. Ashley Ingram, who spearheaded this movement, was in the UK visiting his relatives when he saw how Haiyan hit the Philippines. An Englishman, Mr. Ingram moved to Manila two years ago and is now a permanent resident. The first thing he did was call his Ates (Big Sisters) & Kuyas (Big Brothers), a term he fondly calls his house help, back home in Manila to ask how they and they're families were doing. Hearing how their families have been hit hard by the storm, Ashley resolved to try to raise awareness in the UK during a radio interview.

Ashley, who is a British Grammy award winning producer with a slew of hit songs and artists under his belt, wrote, recorded and produced a song called Never Give Up. All the proceeds of that song went and will continue to go to the rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas. Never Give Up features and showcases vocal, choral and musical talent from around the world.

You can show your support to the Filipino people by joining the Facebook Page by clicking here.

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Food is another necessity needed by many areas in the devastated regions. Because of the many roads destroyed, food and other supplies have been having difficulty reaching these towns and places. Local  Christian Magazine, One Voice teamed up with Omnisource International & Panaderia Pantoja to spearhead a movement called Operation Taclobuns where they plan to airdrop bread (yeah, think paratrooper pan de sals) into the areas unreachable by land. Each bread bun not only gives the people much needed nourishment, but also encouragement and hope by placing Bible verses on the packaging of the bread. If you want to help in anyway, you can contact them at 2097470 or 5022905. 


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Pictures taken from PhilRADS website

The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) are also raising funds to provide food and shelter for the different areas and families affected. Under the leadership of Bishop Ef Tendero, the PCEC and Philippine Relief And Development Services (PhilRADS) have already raised a few thousand shelters but still need to raise a few hundred thousand more of those. If you want to be a part of what they're doing, you can get in touch with PCEC by clicking here or by contacting PhilRADS here.


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On behalf of the Philippine people, I'd like to thank the many countries, organizations, companies and individuals who responded to this calamity; who gave of themselves and their own so that my fellow countrymen would have something to eat, something dry to wear and have at least a semblance of shelter.

I would also like to express my gratitude, utmost respect and humble admiration to the many Filipinos who gave up so much of their time & resources to give aid, not only to their own families hit hard by the typhoon, but the many nameless and faceless families that they have come to adopt as their own. Many people opened their homes and property to people who lost theirs. Many Filipinos gave of their time and talent, using their specialization in giving medical aid, trauma counseling, logistics management and so much more!

There are just too many people to thank, nonetheless please know that the Filipino people are grateful, humbled and blessed because of you. May God bless you and your endeavors! Shalom.

-M-

**None of the pictures included in this post are mine, and are owned by their respective owners, shown on their respective sites.