Approximately, 20 typhoons affect the Philippines each year and recently Manila has experienced some of the worst flooding it has ever seen. In some cases, 60% of the capital has been submerged. Throughout the entire ordeal, the spirit of the Filipino neither flagged nor failed. In fact, many believe that the spirit of the nation has strengthened despite the inevitable circumstances. There are uncountable stories of Filipinos who demonstrated great willingness to help others and a ready sense of humour in order to combat this catastrophe.
The former can be seen through the numerous relief centers. Areas for donations have also been set up to aid those most affected by the typhoon.
So, what did our school do to help the relief effort?
Donations were collected in the FAT lobby so that the ISM community could play an active role in the recovery of the city and all those that had been displaced or affected by the floods. Many people donated bulks of food and clothing that were in high demand after the event, which were later brought to the devastated areas to aid those in need of assistance.
As successful as these donations were, we still need to be wary of the event of another disaster much like this one, and be prepared for any such situation. Below are some helpful and important tips that can give you an idea of what supplies would be most useful for the next time a calamity strikes:
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A rechargeable torch or a torch with batteries would be a useful addition to any relief package as many families have
lost electricity and may not have a sustainable light source at night.
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Plastic sheeting could be donated in order to help families make their roofs waterproof and combat the rain.
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Foodstuffs that can be easily prepared and do not require cooking, as many families have lost the ability to cook.
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Donating larger cans of food instead of small cans; this is helpful to larger families in the city.
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Clothing is another item that is in need, as the clothes of many people may have been washed away by the floods.
We can continue to do our part to help out the Philippine community, lending a hand whenever it is needed. With these helpful tips in mind, at any given moment, we will have the power to promptly help, and prove to the world that we are waterproof and stronger than ever.
In the event of a severe disaster similar to Typhoon Maring, below are some important numbers worth remembering.
National Disaster and Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) hotlines
(02) 911-1406, (02) 912-2665, (02) 912-5668, (02) 911-1873, (02) 912-3046, Trunkline: 911-5061 to 64
Philippine National Police (PNP) Hotline Patrol
Written by: Joe Flynn
Photographs by: Michelle Rabaya
