In the Philippines, like in many other places, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.

 

But last Thursday, a week before Christmas, Typhoon Odette (Rai) slammed into the island country, killing more than 370 people in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, and destroying fragile livelihoods, crops, and homes. The death count is expected to rise. Hundreds of people are still unaccounted for.

 

While Bohol is more popularly known as a tourist destination, local infrastructure remains a huge challenge. Typhoon Odette has knocked out all electricity and communication lines in Bohol for the foreseeable future. Flooding is rampant, and roads have become so damaged to the extent that they are no longer passable. Drinking water is scarce. Rice, a staple of the Filipino diet, is the most pressing need.

Typhoons like Odette/Rai have become increasingly more common and powerful in the Pacific in recent years, thanks to climate change and the role of the Global North and rich countries in exacerbating this human crisis. The Philippines is one of the world's most climate-vulnerable countries. 

 

As authorities assess the true extent of Odette’s damage, I’m urging folks to lean into their generosity this holiday season and contribute a little something from their pockets to help typhoon survivors rebuild their lives, but most importantly, to have something for their families to eat and drink on Christmas Day.

 

Every little bit helps. My mom, a Bohol native who is now based in the US, is mobilizing on-the-ground efforts with her local network and will ensure transparency through regular updates and progress. My aunt, a Bohol teacher and healthcare worker, will also help ensure our relief goods are sent to those who need them the most. The most urgent needs right now are food and drinking water, and we will use any proceeds raised accordingly.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and consideration this holiday season. 

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*Bayanihan (roughly translated) is a distinctly Filipino term that describes the spirit of communal unity, work, and cooperation in pursuit of a goal.
 
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