Help Victims of Yolanda in Concepcion

Two months ago, on November 8, 2013, Typhoon Haiyan (Philippine name Yolanda) struck the Visayas area of the Philippines. Some of the hardest hit areas are in Northern Iloilo composed of Estancia, Batad, Ajuy, Barotac Viejo, Carles and Concepcion. Public structures were destroyed, homes were flattened, livelihood were lost, and some lives perished during and after the storm. We have initiated some relief and donation drives for the victims from Northern Iloilo. Our first fund drive was done immediately after November 8. We were able to collect donated food products, used clothing and some cash amounting to P30,000.00 (US $714). These were forwarded to an academic institution here in Iloilo who conducted several relief operations to the areas of Carles and Ajuy.

Our second fund drive was launched on the 4th week of November. The purpose was to raise cash to be donated to some beneficiaries in Brgy. Bagongon, Concepcion, Iloilo. Brgy. Bagongon is an island barangay, about 45-minute boat ride from the mainland of the municipality of Concepcion. Relief efforts seldom reach the island. Cash donations were raised so that the beneficiaries could buy construction materials to rebuild their homes. We were able to raise P15,000 (US $360) out of cash donations and rummage/bake sale. This amount was able to help around 7 families. The said baranggay has an estimated 400 households. This means, a lot of them still needs help.

We are launching this third fund drive so that we can help more families rebuild their homes. I know that most of us have already donated. Government efforts are also being directed to the affected areas. However, these efforts may not reach some areas like Brgy. Bagongon because of their distant proximity to the nearest relief centers/operations. We are doing our best to fill this gap. Please help us help them.

Please visit my blog at http://ryjeverywoman.blogspot.com/2014/01/helping-rebuild-northern-iloilo-our.html so you would have an idea what we have already done.