“Bayanihan” is a uniquely Filipino word. In both joyful and challenging times, it embodies the essence of coming together to help others selflessly. To all who never grow tired of bayanihan, may you always be blessed.
Still recovering from the earthquakes that struck Bogo City, Cebu, and Manay, Davao Oriental, the Philippines was once again battered by two consecutive typhoons, Tino and Uwan, which hit several provinces in Luzon and parts of Visayas.
As of November 9, data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council show that the earthquakes affected 2,321,243 individuals and caused an estimated Php424,043,013 in damages. Meanwhile, the two typhoons have already impacted 4,599,341 individuals, with damages to infrastructure and agriculture amounting to Php218,526,869.79.
The following are some of the reputable organizations one can support to help those impacted by natural disasters and emergencies.
Food for the Hungry Philippines requests continuous prayers for the safety and well-being of those greatly affected by Typhoon Tino.
“While residents of Bogo City, the epicenter of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake last September, reported no landslide or flooding, unlike its neighboring towns, thousands of families remain in evacuation centers. We call on the spirit of bayanihan,” wrote the said organization.
Food for the Hungry is a Christian international NGO that designs, develops, and delivers catalytic solutions that build resilience so that children, families, and communities can flourish.
Leadership organization JCI Philippines, through Oplan Kaagapay, is on high alert, with its Luzon Emergency Response Team preparing to coordinate immediate assistance for Super Typhoon Uwan-affected areas.
Their members are spread across Area 1 (Northern Luzon): Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Ilocandia, and Pangasinan; Area 2 (Metro Area): Metro South, Metro East, Metro Rizal, and Metro North; and Area 3 (Southern Luzon): Southern Tagalog, Laguna, Palawan, and Cavite.
They encourage everyone to stay safe, follow official advisories, and keep emergency hotline numbers ready for any urgent needs.
Donate via https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DkwGPNsnz/.
The country’s major private sector vehicle and coordinator for disaster management, the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, has been on alert since Saturday, working with partners, including the Office of Civil Defense, to prepare for and respond to Typhoon Uwan.
Donate via www.pdrf.org/how-you-can-help/donate.
Working to create better lives for and with children, Save The Children Philippines advised that in situations like this, the safety of children, both physical and emotional, is very important. They urged everyone to help them feel safe, heard, and cared for by the following actions:
- Listen to children. First, find out what they know or understand about the disaster before answering their questions. They may experience stress if they do not fully understand what is happening in dangerous situations.
- Give reassurance. Let them know that the family, friends, and everyone are doing their best to protect them. Make sure they know that during an emergency, their safety is the top priority.
- Make time and give attention. Children need attention so they can feel safe. Talk, play, and most importantly, listen to them. Make time for special activities with children, no matter their age.
Donate via https://donate.savethechildren.org.ph/.
Dr. Herbert Q. Carpio, National Director of World Vision Philippines, calls on communities to stay vigilant, follow evacuation advisories, and support one another during this critical time.
“World Vision is working hand-in-hand with local partners and government units to closely monitor the storm’s path and potential impact. Our teams are on the ground, ensuring that children and their families remain safe, supported, and prepared,” said Dr. Carpio.
According to the child-focused organization, millions of people have been affected by the two recent typhoons, and they aim to assist 3,000 families by providing water, food, shelter kits, hygiene supplies, and psychosocial support.
Donate via https://bit.ly/HelpFamiliesAffectedbyTyphoon.
Those who want to be part of the private sector’s disaster relief and response efforts may await announcements and coordinate with the following organizations:
- League of Corporate Foundations, a network of operating and grant-making corporate foundations and corporations in the Philippines. Since its formation in 1991, the League has been at the forefront of promoting and enhancing Corporate Social Responsibility practice among its members and the larger business community. https://lcf.org.ph/
- Philippine Business for Social Progress, the largest business-led NGO for social development in the Philippines and operates at the nexus of corporate citizenship, sustainable development, and poverty reduction. https://www.pbsp.org.ph/
Like and follow the country’s weather and climate authority, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), at https://www.facebook.com/PAGASA.DOST.GOV.PH.