*UPDATE as of November 9, 9.36 p.m. — The devastation brought about by Haiyan/Yolanda has proven to be widespread and heartbreaking as more and more images, videos and news reports are coming in. Tacloban in Leyte is one of the hardest hit areas. I am adding more ways to help below the original post, which I wrote on the morning of November 9. Most of these are just posts I saw on social media. If you plan on donating in kind, please DO NOT donate milk formula. Click here to read why it is UNSAFE and DANGEROUS to do so.
I woke up this morning to find posts on my social media sites from people outside the country asking how me and my family are (thank you, Lisa, Kirsten, Maureen, Jennifer, Colleen, for your concern!). Super Typhoon Haiyan (or Yolanda, its name here in the Philippines) has been making headlines all over the world, including major networks such as CNN and BBC. As of this writing (it’s 9am Manila time, Nov. 9 now), there has been no official count of how many lives have been lost, nor people affected. Last night, local news channel GMA News TV reported that at least 33 people have died in Leyte in the Southern Philippines, while another news site, Epoch Times, claims the latest death count is 56. (UPDATE as of Nov 9, 1.50 pm: This report says HUNDREDS are suspected dead and injured.)
While we are waiting for the latest news regarding the extent of Typhoon Haiyan’s destruction, we pray for our countrymen who were affected, especially those who were in its direct path. Below is a video I found that shows just how strong the typhoon was — I don’t know where exactly this was taken though, since the description doesn’t say where. The BBC link above has a video too.
Below is another video from one of our local news channels, showing the effects of the super typhoon in Tacloban, Leyte, as reported by news reporter Atom Araullo (Note to my non-Filipino readers: It’s in Filipino). As of now, there has been no news as to the total extent of the damage in Tacloban and neighboring areas in Leyte, and some of my friends have been asking for prayers for their family members and loved ones there because all lines of communication are down. (Please do pray with us for them!)
I’m thankful that my loved ones and I are safe, here in Metro Manila and elsewhere, but my heart breaks for our countrymen who have been affected by this super typhoon, many of whom come from the Philippines’ poorest provinces. We have not even completely recovered from the massive earthquake in Bohol and Cebu, and a series of typhoons that have been battering our country.
Truly, now, more than ever, is a time to heal. But more than that, it is a time to LOVE. No matter what you believe in, no matter where you are in the world, no matter who you are, I ask you to join us in showing love to those who need it the most now, including our people here in the Philippines.
I have been searching the Internet for a list of ways to help the Super Typhoon victims but haven’t found one yet, so here is my own list. I’ll try to update it as reports about relief efforts come in.
Couples for Christ through ANCOP USA
Our community, , has a work with the poor program called ANCOP, an acronym which stands for Answering the Cry of the Poor. They have launched an online drive for donations for both the Bohol/Cebu earthquake victims and the Typhoon Haiyan victims, which you can read about here. You can also click on the image below to go to the site. UPDATED as of Nov. 9, 1.30pm: To donate to the Super Typhoon Haiyan victims directly, please click here.
UPDATED as of Nov. 11, 2.45pm: You can also donate to the CFC Calamity Fund.
For Cash Donations:
Account Name : Couples for Christ Global Mission
Foundation, Inc.
Bank Account : BPI Account No. 0120 – 1101 – 01
Branch : Aurora, Cubao
Swift Code : BOPIPHMM
Please indicate in your deposit slips: Donation for Typhoon Yolanda. You may send your deposit slips thru fax (632) 709 – 4845 or email at
Online donation: www.cfchomeoffice.com/
Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Philippines
Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-based international network of Catholic aid agencies, is accepting donations on its website. Caritas Philippines is also accepting donations. Caritas Manila is also a good way to donate.
Gawad Kalinga
Luis Oquinena, the president and executive directer of Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, posted this update this morning:
You can send donations for the GK relief operations here.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer
The Inquirer, a local news publication, has started a relief drive for donations in cash or in kind. More details here.
Tulong Kabataan Relief Drive for #YolandaPH
My cousin, , invited me to . It has links for PayPal and bank donations, and details for donations in kind. Tulong Kabataan Volunteer Network is a SEC-registered non-profit organization formed by national youth organizations, student councils, and campus publications.
SCPR: Links to Relief Operations
The Southern California Public Radio website has also compiled a list of ways for Filipinos and people of other nationalities, especially in the U.S., to find loved ones and help the typhoon victims, including a link to World Vision Philippines.
Rappler
Rappler is also compiling a list of relief efforts here. It will be updated regularly so do check it out from time to time.
Church Relief Efforts
There are local dioceses and parishes that have announced their respective appeals for prayers and relief donations. If you’re in the Philippines and want to help out, you may contact the CBCP Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace for ways that you can help, or inquire at your local diocese or parish.
Of course, prayers work wonders too! Thank you to everyone around the world who have been praying for and with us! Typhoon Haiyan has weakened on its way out and did not stay that long, and I’m sure it’s because of the power of prayer! God bless you all! Please do keep praying for our country!
From the ChurchMilitant.TV Facebook page
UPDATED as of November 9, 2013, 10pm:
More ways to help the #YolandaPH victims:
Rappler has updated its list of different relief operations all over the country. You can find it here. Yahoo Philippines has also come up with its own list .
Reposted from KC Concepcion, as seen on Facebook
The Stork Studio‘s Sofia Genato posted this earlier on :
1000 Bear Hugs is accepting new or pre-loved stuffed toys for the children who have been affected. Follow them on for updates re: drop-off points.
TindogTacloban is a collective initiative of concerned citizens in partnership with Victory Christian Fellowship to help the typhoon victims in Tacloban. You can “Like” their page for updates on relief efforts and other news.
The Philippine Red Cross and DSWD are gathering donations and in need of volunteers.
From the Inquirer’s Facebook page
Air21 is also accepting donations and will pick them up FOR FREE from 10am to 4pm tomorrow, Sunday, November 10.
From Air21’s Instagram account
Aside from Tacloban, .
There are so many people in need, in SO many different areas and provinces — an estimated FOUR MILLION people have been affected in 36 provinces! If you want to see other ways to help, try . Any help will go a long way. God bless us all as we do our part to give love to those who need it the most right now.
thank you, Tins for this initiative! God bless us all!
I don’t know how else to help po, Ma. Aside from prayers. I pray this helps somehow, even just a little bit. Love you po! God bless us all indeed!