just when i thought all was back to normal

I thought wrong, you probably have too

In Wikipedia, Typhoon Haiyan, known as Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, was an exceptionally powerful tropical cyclone that devastated portions of Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, in November 8, 2013. It is the deadliest Philippine typhoon on record, killing at least 6,201 people in that country alone. Haiyan is also the strongest storm recorded at landfall, and unofficially the strongest typhoon ever recorded in terms of wind speed. As of January, 2014, bodies are still being found. It has already been two months since the typhoon, ever wondered what happened to the survivors? Most of you have I know, you just don’t forget a happening like that, no one ever will.

Josenian Triskelion Alumni Organization (JTAO), an organization of Fraternity/Sorority from the chapter of the University of San Jose Recoletos conducted a survey in Daanbantayan, Northern Cebu to really get a better view of what life was after the typhoon and of course knowing how slow our government is, there is still a gap in terms of shelter and this is quite evident in the photos. The present situation is now in rebuilding stage.  We could have opted to distribute relief goods, but as we see the outpouring of continuous relief support given to those affected, we would like to supplement these inspirational efforts by launching and rebuilding of permanent homes in these surrounding communities. This is the best gift for the people of Daanbantayan.

JTAO is pushing through with its new plan of giving survivors of super typhoon Yolanda construction materials so they could build their own temporary shelter, for families whose houses were totally damaged. JTAO will still help coordinate funding for the construction of the houses as well as provide the construction materials needed such as cement, GI sheets, woods, nails etc.

Surviving is innate in us, but a helping hand would make things lighter. These people face it everyday, the impossibility of the situation, the everyday need to battle hunger and poverty, the wanting to move on but not knowing how, the need to settle for living a mediocre existence in order to survive, because they don’t know how, they don’t have the means, they don’t know where to begin. Let’s care, help out, but most of all pray, pray for healing, pray for hope, pray for the government and pray for this country. Nothing is too big for the Father in heaven.

This does not end here, we have responsibilities to our fellow countrymen. We have to make sure that we are looking after each other. The very reason why the late Sir Benigno S. Aquino said “The Filipino is Worth Dying For”.

The rebuilding of Daan Bantayan and all the areas affected are still ongoin, if you wish to help, please let me know and I'll connect you to the right people. 

Photos by: Norgy

Surveyors: Norgy, Hyra, Jessa