Reaching Out to Yolanda Survivors in Iloilo

While there’s too much noise on how the government give relief to survivors of super typhoon Haiyan, there are many unsung heroes. These are individuals and groups who are doing what they know what should be done – to reach out and help the survivors.

For the past three weeks, PAREF Westbridge School for Boys has an outreach program which is the various relief operations in Capiz and in Northern Iloilo.

As early as November 10, two days after Yolanda’s landfall, parents received messages to extend our help and thus, the start of our relief operation.

Northern Iloilo with its coastal towns was badly hit by the super typhoon as well. First batch of relief goods was given to the residents of Sara, Iloilo.

We don’t have to feed everybody because we certainly can’t, but sharing and helping as much as we can…

Along with other parents, we gave donations from bread to cooking pots. Our own boys pack them in school and deliver them the next day by students, teachers and parents. This is what I really admire and the advantage of a small relief operation – right away, help was given fast and directly to Haiyan survivors.

A father from San Dionision, Iloilo bringing home relief pack for his family…

A mother from Concepcion, Iloilo..Yolanda’s /Haiyan’s fifth landfall.

As shared by one of the Westbridge teachers, this couple walked all the way from the mountains and thought they missed the giving of relief goods. They were ushered to the vehicle and given their pack to take home.

PAREF Westbridge School for Boys bring relief goods to hard-to-reach barangays. Even if it means walking and carrying the packs.

An Aeta settlement in San Enrique, Iloilo. It is more than just giving them food but letting them feel that they are not alone. We are in this together.