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Breaking Barriers Through Bayanihan: Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) Update as of Nov19
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[Date Created: November 20, 2013]
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* This is the latest Typhoon Yolanda update (Nov 19). To go to the main Yolanda page, click HERE.
Dear friends,
Since Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck more than a week ago, the outpouring of love and solidarity from all sectors here and abroad has been humbling and overwhelming. Thanks to your immediate response, 60,000 FOOD PACKS are in the "lifelines" of Operation Walang Iwanan as of November 19, 2013, currently in the process of being repacked and/or distributed. We began with a goal of 20,000 food packs, increased it to 50,000, and now that we have 3 bases of operations (Borongan in Eastern Samar and Baybay & Tacloban in Leyte), we are taking the courage to target 200,000 FOOD PACKS IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.
An Outpouring of Heroism
The generosity of friends from the Philippines and the global community allowed us to mobilize resources immediately. Shipping partners like LBC and NYK Logistics helped with our logistical requirements so we can reach the affected families at the fastest possible time. Communication is also very important, and we thank SMART and Globe for helping us capture and stream the relief operations live to other parts of the world.
In parallel, we have also introduced our plan for Rehabilitation at Php 20,000/unit (Click HERE to give) and Reconstruction at Php 125,000/unit (Click HERE to give). In 2 weeks’ time, we should be able to begin reconstruction efforts in Brgy. Tambulilid, Ormoc, a community where almost all the homes were entirely wiped out. Many have started giving to the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase, and we hope that we can partner with you not just in providing relief goods (Click HERE to give to Relief Operations) but in bringing long-term solutions to rebuild sustainable communities for the victims.
Just as we have done for the survivors of Typhoons Sendong (Washi) and Pablo (Bopha), we know that we can count on you to relocate families from danger zones to safe havens. So far, there has been no record of death in our GK communities because families are organized and able to come up with an evacuation plan every time disasters strike. In a recent turnover of homes to another batch of Sendong survivors in Cagayan de Oro, the Kapitbahayan proudly said: “Wala nang biktima dito, tinuro ng GK na lahat kami ay bayani! (There are no more victims here, GK taught all of us to be heroes).” We see the same story in many of our communities, where residents pay it forward and are the ones leading relief efforts on ground.
WATCH THE VIDEO of Tony Meloto's interview on ANC, where he talks about rebuilding 20,000 homes in typhoon-hit areas
The Spirit of Bayanihan
Since we launched Operation Walang Iwanan, volunteers have also come in droves, both on ground and online, giving what they can to help.
In our command centers in Metro Manila, we have been able to mobilize over 8,000 volunteers. Volunteers from Camarines Sur and parts of Visayas (Antique, Cebu, Iloilo, Leyte/Samar, Negros) and Mindanao have also staged their own relief operations. Likewise, our teams based in other countries are holding fundraising drives and raising awareness about the great need in the Philippines.
WATCH THE VIDEO of Operation Walang Iwanan: Ordinary Filipinos with Extraordinary Hearts
It's true when they say that no disaster can drown out the Filipino spirit of bayanihan and resiliency. We honor everyone for being part of Team GK through your prayers and support, silently contributing to this great moment of the Filipino in the history of the world.
Breaking Barriers
On a more personal note, our people on ground have courageously albeit temporarily left their families to go where they are needed the most – sometimes being exposed to real threats so we can bring Operation Walang Iwanan to life and bring concrete hope to our fellowmen. They are relentless in hurdling major challenges to set up operations for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction. Their unwavering faith, their joy and their sheer heart for service is fueling this whole campaign. Allow us to share a few anecdotes of the hope that you have helped fuel on ground:
Typhoon Yolanda may be breaking records but Operation Walang Iwanan will continue to break barriers. Even darkness is not a hindrance to distributing relief packs to almost thousands of families in difficult-to-reach areas. Let us put value on hope not just on the damages. Let us count saved lives not just death tolls. Let us declare a state of bayanihan not just a state of calamity. Join us as we rebuild Visayas. Click HERE to find out how. Bangon, Pilipinas!
Walang iwanan!
Team GK |
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