#RisingFromHaiyan: the Philippine Red Cross experience; Housing project for Yolanda survivors nearing completion

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Two years after super typhoon Haiyan (local name Yolanda) , the strongest storm to ever make landfall in world history, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has helped tens of thousands of affected families to get back their livelihoods, build safer, more disaster resilient homes and classrooms, and given people access to improved health and sanitation facilities and services. 

Red Cross Haiyan assistance restored livelihoods, shelter, community facilities and services

As of end of October, 884,228 people have benefitted from PRC’s Haiyan Recovery Program which includes services ranging from shelter, livelihood, cash relief assistance, water and sanitation, hygiene promotion, and rehabilitation of classrooms.

“The success of our Haiyan operations would not have been possible without the support of our partners in the Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement and private partners who have generously contributed to help alleviate the suffering of those whose lives have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan. Because of the massive destruction caused by Haiyan, there was also a massive outpouring of support that came to us that helped restore people’s lives and dignity,” said PRC chairman Richard Gordon.

To date, PRC’s Haiyan Recovery program has built 66,011 homes out of the target 80,203 or 86 percent of the target number of houses to be built, amounting to around 2.2 billion pesos. The Red Cross Haiyan shelter program is spread across nine Haiyan-affected provinces: Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Iloilo, Leyte, Palawan, and Western Samar.

During the emergency phase, the Red Cross was able to provide emergency cash relief assistance to 90,779 families, the biggest ever cash transfer programming operations in the RCRC Movement history after an emergency or disaster. A total of PhP 281,529,400 or USD 6,256,208 was disbursed to affected families in a matter of four months from December 2013 to March 2014. Unconditional cash relief given per family ranged from PhP2,000 to PhP5,000.

Provision of shelter was augmented with livelihood assistance in the form of livelihood cash grants that beneficiaries used to start a new livelihood source or restart their lost livelihood. As of date, 59,218 families out of the target 62,289 households or 95 percent of the target number of beneficiaries, have been provided with livelihood assistance through conditional cash grants. The total amount of livelihood assistance to date is P592,180,000.

Aside from housing and livelihood, PRC also focused on health, sanitation and education. Through the Haiyan recovery operations, there are now 32 schools with improved access to water and sanitation facilities and 38 health facilities that have been repaired and reconstructed, which will cater to 222,618 individuals based on the population of the area. 

The education sector was not left behind as the Red Cross also focused on restoring classrooms so students can go back to their classes. As of date, 410 classrooms have already been rehabilitated and reconstructed, of which 39,165 students have benefitted. There were also 5,083 students who have received school kits from the Red Cross.

Philippine Red Cross press conference for updates for the 2nd Year Commemoration of Haiyan held at the Philippine Red Cross Tower. Boni Mandaluyong City, November 5, 2015 with Mr. Wolde Saugeron - Communications Coordinator, ICRC; Mr. Kari Isoma - Head of Country Delegation, IFRC; Sen. Richard Gordon - Chaimran of the Philippine Red Cross and Ms. Gwendolyn Pang - Secretary General of The Philippine Red Cross

Red Cross’ housing project for Yolanda survivors nearing completion

More than 66,000 families now have safer, more disaster resilient homes in typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) affected areas, as the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has already completed 86 percent of its target number of homes to be built in its shelter project under its typhoon Haiyan recovery program. 

As of date, a total of 66,011 families were provided shelter out of the target 80,203, which is targeted to be completed until the end of 2016. This is the largest ever shelter assistance that the Red Cross has provided in any post-disaster operations locally and globally, in terms of number of houses built and amount of shelter assistance provided. 

“What we are doing is not just building shelter for the families affected. More importantly, we are giving them back their dignity, which is why families are involved from the beginning in the process of building their homes,” said Richard Gordon, chairman and CEO of the PRC.

In building shelter, the PRC involves the community in all aspects of the building process. The beneficiaries themselves were part of the consultations regarding designs and plans for the shelters that the Red Cross and its partners were to build for them. Beneficiaries are even involved in the actual building of the houses. 

Houses built trough the PRC housing project were built employing the “build back better” principle for disaster resilience and have been proven to withstand some of the strongest typhoons that came after Yolanda.

The shelter project covers the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Iloilo, Leyte, Palawan, and Western Samar; as well as the cities of Bogo, Ormoc and Tacloban. 

“Providing shelter for families affected by Yolanda would not be possible without the support of our partners, private companies who supported our shelter program, and our partners in the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement,” said Gordon. 

The housing project is supported by PRC’s partners in the International Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement, composed of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and several National Societies. 

RCRC National Societies involved in the Haiyan housing project include Finnish Red Cross, Spanish Red Cross, German Red Cross, Hong Kong Red Cross, Taiwan Red Cross, French Red Cross, Japanese Red Cross, Norwegian Red Cross, British Red Cross, American Red Cross, Australian Red Cross, Netherlands Red Cross, Palang Merah Indonesia (PMI) or Indonesian Red Cross, Qatar Red Crescent Society, Swiss Red Cross, and Bahrain Red Crescent. 

PRC’s private partners that have contributed to the housing project include Air Asia, HSBC, CUBE, Citibank, and AusAID.

Red Cross staff, volunteers beat all odds to reach affected areas in the aftermath of Haiyan 

In the aftermath of super typhoon Haiyan, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) staff and volunteers 

It was a race against time as Philippine Red Cross (PRC) staff and volunteers beat the odds of logistics problems, difficulty of access, and the pressing need to reach the affected areas to be able to bring life-saving relief items and services to those who have been affected by super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). 

Rising from Haiyan

Here's the Philippine Red Cross experience 

It’s been two years since super typhoon Haiyan, the strongest storm to ever make landfall in world history, struck the country on November 8, 2013. 

As early as November 6, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chapters were advised by its chairman Richard Gordon to take immediate precautionary measures, and mobilize units for the consolidation of supplies, vehicles, equipment, and manpower. 

On November 7, Chairman Gordon sent a text blast to all PRC chapters to activate response units in the respective areas, which were previously identified. 

During this time, the PRC leadership also called for an emergency meeting with Movement Partners (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Australian RC, Spanish RC, German RC, The Netherland RC, Finish RC). Together, they discussed the plans on how to address the immediate needs and life-saving measures to the vulnerable population affected by typhoon Haiyan.

Haiyan made landfall on November 8, and in less than 48 hours, PRC was on the grounds removing debris to open up main roads (more than 10,000 cubic meters of debris were collected), dispensing 68,702 hot meals and food supplies to hungry survivors, and attending to the medical needs of every citizen. While other agencies were still organizing plans and mobilizing their units, PRC was already delivering crucial services to the people. 

On November 11, the PRC organized an additional humanitarian convoy that brought relief supplies (food and non-food), rescue equipment, transport vehicles, ambulances, pay loaders, and water tankers. Part of the convoy were trained and skilled personnel of the PRC and Red Cross 143 volunteers, tasked to assist and provide immediate and life-saving support to the disaster affected population in Central Philippines.

In addition to food and water, one of the essential items that were distributed during the relief operation was the emergency shelter repair kit that helped 51,185 families to start the repair and construction of their damaged homes. 

Since line of communication was disrupted in areas affected by Typhoon Haiyan, the PRC deployed its communication kit, helping survivors get in touch with their families. With the help of PRC’s partner mobile network, satellite phones were provided and the PRC was able to reconnect 35,230 families. 

While the PRC units were busy on the ground, Chairman Gordon was also coordinating help with foreign partners, and ensuring that their donations were brought to the affected areas safely and as swiftly as possible.

During the emergency phase of the operation, around 230,000 families were supported with essential household items (blankets, mosquito nets, plastic mats, water containers, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, and tarpaulins) – making it as the biggest operation in the history of the Philippine Red Cross.

7-Eleven and Habitat Philippines to build homes and schools for Yolanda-affected families in Culion, Palawan

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7-Eleven partner with Habitat for Humanity. With a commitment that will build 160 homes and 2 schools in Yolanda affected indigenous community in Culion, Palawan, Jose Victor P. Paterno, Philippine Seven Corporation President/CEO & Director (2nd from right) also signify its support to Habitat Vision 2020 and advocacy program to address poverty housing solutions. Photo shows Habitat for Humanity Philippines CEO and Managing Director Charlie Ayco (3rd from left) with Chief Marketing Officer Yvonne Lih, Donor Management Head Arlene Ramirez and Director of Communications Gina Virtusio.

After Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) levelled their province, some 150 families in Culion, Palawan will finally have the opportunity to rebuild their lives, as 7-Eleven Japan Co. Ltd. and PhilSeven Foundation Inc. (PFI) committed to provide them with new decent homes, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP). 

Families of Barangay de Carabao will be able to sleep soundly with the promise of 160 new environment-friendly, disaster-resilient homes. On top of shelter, the community will also be given two school buildings, which can accommodate up to 140 students, and doubles as evacuation centers in case of calamities.

Barangay de Carabao is located in the island of Culion, at the northern part of Palawan province, where there was virtually no media exposure of the destruction Yolanda dealt the province in 2013.

“The funds generated together by 7-Eleven Japan Co. Ltd.’s and PhilSeven Foundation Inc. aims to help communities, most especially in far-flung areas, significantly alleviating poverty and improve children’s education,” said Jose Victor Paterno, Chairman of PFI. “Through this assistance program, indigenous families whose only source of livelihood are farming and fishing in Culion are provided with the means to uplift their quality of life.”

The Barangay de Carabao rebuilding project is set to begin by January 2016, and is projected to be completed by the end of the same year.

For HFHP’s part, Managing Director and CEO Charlie Ayco said, “We are thankful to 7-Eleven Japan and PFI for partnering with us and heeding the call to help our Filipino brothers and sisters in need of dignified housing.” 

PFI also pledged their support to HFHP’s WeBuild advocacy campaign towards Habitat’s Vision2020, where it seeks to provide decent homes to and reduce the housing backlog of the Philippines by 20%.

James Hardie opens doors of opportunities for Yolanda survivors

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Every carpentry workshop conducted by James Hardie was in-depth and hands-on providing a learning platform for carpenters to further their skills. 

When typhoon Yolanda hit Eastern Visayas, particularly the provinces of Samar and Leyte, the world saw a super typhoon could easily wipe out towns and cities from the map and leave behind scores of casualties.

Almost two years after the catastrophic event, a lot of residents from the typhoon stricken provinces are now almost back on their feet especially those who were eager to kick-start their lives by learning new things during the rehabilitation efforts from different organizations.

James Hardie, the world leader in fiber cement building products, partnered with De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) to create a lasting and effective change on some of the most-badly hit communities.

During the workshop, carpenters did not only learn basic carpentry but also went home confident of their newly acquired skill

In rebuilding the communities, James Hardie organized a successful basic carpentry workshop earlier this year wherein survivors were taught how to install HardieFlex® building products and eventually make a living out of their newly acquired skills.

“We wanted to extend help that will have lasting effects for the survivors—something that will be beneficial to them for the rest of their lives,” said James Hardie Country Manager Mark Sergio. “By holding carpentry workshops, we are teaching them how to be self-sufficient in rebuilding their communities.”

Few months after the workshop, James Hardie and DLSP went back to the community and asked how the carpenters are doing. 

“The workshops were really a big help for all of us, especially for people who did not know where to start after their traumatic experiences,” said Danilo Galos, a Yolanda survivor from one of the partner communities. “The workshops and all the assistance gave us a fresh start. After the training, I landed a job within a week, which was a great help for my family. Learning how to install HardieFlex is also an advantage because a lot of customers would prefer to use it.”

Arturo Moramion shared the same sentiments, saying that learning the right way of installing HardieFlex® on timber and metal furring did him some good after it made him a better carpenter. “The training was a big help on my work and I was able to share this new knowledge to my co-carpenters. I also learned how to install and handle HardieFlex products, which are all durable, resistant to fire and termites and does not contain asbestos.”

Meanwhile, for Cesar Moralida and Ricardo Cabiao, the workshop opened doors of opportunities for them after they both landed new jobs, which helped them rebuild what was destroyed during the typhoon. “I landed a new job in just a week which helped me provide for my family,” Cabiao said.

“I’m not a full-time carpenter. However, because of the training given by James Hardie, I am now confident that I have the skills to work as a full time carpenter.” Moralida said. 

Almost two years after the devastation, the communities that benefited from James Hardie and DLSP’s efforts have shown dramatic change. With the participants showing that they are now on the right track, the two institutions are successful in inspiring people to rise above their situation. Indeed, through collective effort, nothing is impossible, as what James Hardie and DLSP have shown.

James Hardie helps Yolanda survivors rebuild communities

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Alongside its mission of providing building products to build better and more durable houses for Filipino families; James Hardie, the world leader in fiber cement technology, is likewise a responsible corporate partner of Filipinos in building a better, more durable future.

The carpentry workshop organized DLSP and conducted by James Hardie Philippines was attended by 32 carpenters from Dulag and Diit, Leyte. Engr. Wilfredo Abella and Gina Anacta from DLSP, and Roland Badilla and Renato Zagada from James Hardie were present during the workshop.

This was made manifest when James Hardie partnered with De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) to help rebuild schools in the Yolanda-ravaged areas of Leyte and Samar, providing safer and more weather-resistant classrooms for students in schools adopted by DLSP.

This remarkable collaboration saw James Hardie and DLSP conducting a basic carpentry workshop last January wherein survivors were taught how to rebuild classrooms and eventually make a living out of their newly acquired skills. This also gave them the knowledge to construct their own homes which were severely damaged by Yolanda.

James Hardie Philippines, in partnership with De La Salle Philippines, conducted a HardieFlex carpentry workshop in Dulag, Leyte.

The workshop, called “Rebuilding the Future,” drew enthusiastic participants who learned basic carpentry skills such as HardieFlex ceilings and walls installation.

“The basic carpentry workshops were activities we felt passionate about,” says James Hardie Country Manager Mark Sergio, who believes that teaching the survivors how to be self-sufficient in rebuilding their communities will show them how to live without compromise.

“Aside from providing sturdier classrooms to the community, James Hardie and De La Salle Philippines thought that having carpentry workshops would help the survivors build livelihoods from the new skills they’ve acquired.” says DLSP President Br. Jose Mari Jimenez. “We want to help ease the painful memories caused by Yolanda.”

Jimenez also added that they chose communities that greatly need help and where members are eager to learn, willing to strive hard and be one in the rebuilding efforts.

Thirty-two carpenters from Dulag and Diit, Leyte attended the carpentry workshop focusing on actual hands-on installation of HardieFlex fiber cement boards on timber and steel framing.

“DLSP adopted these communities because they needed immediate assistance,” Sergio said. “We volunteered because we wanted to provide them with the right tools to start anew and help some community members find some purpose after an unfortunate experience.”

Response to the basic carpentry workshop was overwhelming. Even neighboring communities joined the workshop as they listened intently to the lectures and learned hands-on carpentry techniques.

“It is heartwarming to see how their confidence was restored by doing something functional and meaningful,” says Kgd. Corazon Canales. “Though it’s really difficult to restore everything, it is safe to say that this is a huge start for us.”

ABS-CBN Foundation's Campaign “We Believe in The Power of Good” launch with celebrity Ambassadors Piolo Pascual, Bea Alonzo, Gerald Anderson, Robi Domingo and Jodi Sta. Maria

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ABS-CBN Foundation International has made international headlines recently for stellar achievements: its record-breaking North America fundraising telethon partnership with ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel (TFC) and its news program, Balitang America, to help victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) through its program Sagip Kapamilya in 2013; its Norcal Emmy Award for its “Fighting For Survival” PSA with Filipino American middleweight mixed martial artist and UFC fighter Mark Munoz under the category Spot Announcements-Community Public Service (PSA) Single Spot or Campaign; and the 18th anniversary celebration in March this year in Hollywood for its program Bantay Bata (Child Watch)

But ABS-CBN Foundation International wants people to know that it has much more to offer to people who want to help. Thus, it launched its “We Believe in The Power of Good” campaign and was joined by top Filipino celebrities as campaign ambassadors: Bea Alonzo for Bantay Bata; Gerald Anderson for Sagip Kapamilya; Robi Domingo for Programa Genio; Jodi Sta Maria for BayaniJuan; and Piolo Pascual for Bantay Kalikasan.

“The ‘We Believe in The Power of Good’ campaign is a movement that we created to bring positive change to the lives of millions in the Philippines through our various programs,” said ABS-CBN Foundation International Managing Director Jo Ann Kyle. “We have partnered with business owners and/or corporations who believe in what we’re doing and also developed a Power of Good seal which is awarded to our partners/donors who are one with us in serving the community. The ‘power of good’ is not just kind words and good intentions, though they are an inherent part of it; but it is more of positive energy and meaningful outcomes resulting from authentic, responsible and strategic acts of goodness. We are grateful to our celebrity ambassadors for believing in this and we invite everyone to join us in this movement.”

ABS-CBN Foundation International’s “We Believe in The Power of Good” Seal

Below are the core programs of ABS-CBN Foundation International:

SAGIP KAPAMILYA (Family Rescue) – Advocacy: Disaster Relief – conducts disaster relief and humanitarian assistance in calamity-stricken areas with the aim of enabling affected victims, families and communities rebuild their lives and begin sustainable rehabilitation programs.

PROGRAMA GENIO (Program Genius) – Advocacy: Education – Programa Genio envisions discovering and developing the inherent genio or genius in every child. The program, which works in cooperation with the school division of the Department of Education, aims to propagate school reform in public elementary schools and bring quality education to the underprivileged.

BANTAY BATA (Child Watch) – Advocacy: Child Welfare – Asia’s model for child welfare program that rescues, protects, rehabilitates and educates sick, abused and at-risk children

BAYANIJUAN (Juan’s Town) – Advocacy: Community Development – BayaniJuan is a community development, relocation and outreach program where we teach locals the skills and livelihood to become self-sufficient and uplift their quality of life; it also aims to provide underprivileged families and informal settlers a sense of rootedness and acess to basic services.

BANTAY KALIKASAN (Nature Watch) – Advocacy: Environment Conservation & Protection – our program that supports the cause of environmental and natural heritage conservation and the socio-economic uplifting of local Philippine communities through the principle of sustainable development and development of ecotourism sites.

For more information on how to be part of “We Believe in The Power of Good”, visit http://www.abscbnfoundation.org

ABS-CBN Shows Winner at 2015 New York Festivals

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ABS-CBN won a bronze medal in the Cinematography category at the prestigious New York Festivals World’s Best TV and Films 2015 for its documentary Yolanda (Haiyan).

“When we were just told, as I was accepting the award, that the government still needs to fast track help for the Yolanda victims. I hope it does translate to a speedier recovery and at the same time I hope we have all learned our lessons on the tragedy,” said ABS-CBN Integrated News head Ging Reyes, who received the award along with broadcast journalist Chiara Zambrano.

Finalist certificates were also handed out to ABS-CBN’s morning news magazine program Umagang Kay Ganda for its coverage of Typhoon Yolanda, Wrath of Haiyan, in the Best Coverage of Breaking News category and Zambrano’s documentary titled Spratlys: Mga Isla ng Kalayaan in the National/International Affairs category.

ABS-CBN’s Compassion and Empathy for Our Fellow Man campaign was also cited as a finalist in the News Promotion category.

Last year, ABS-CBN won a silver world medal in Graphic Design: Promotion/Open & ID category for Agosto Beinte-Uno, its documentary on the assassination of Ninoy Aquino, while Failon Ngayon bagged a bronze world medal in Current Affairs category for its episode Tagas ng Minahan.

New York Festivals World’s Best Television & Films competition honors programming in all lengths and forms from over 50 countries.

All award-winning entries were seen worldwide via The Filipino Channel’s (TFC) various platforms: Internet Protocol television or IPTV, satellite, cable, mobile, and its official online service, TFC.tv.

DOH recognizes 'unsung' heroes of Typhoon Yolanda

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The Department of Health (DOH) recently gave tribute to the “Unsung Heroes” of typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) for their contributions in helping the victims and families affected by the strongest cyclone to hit the Visayas region last year.

Here's from the Department of Health:

The Department of Health (DOH) today recognized the efforts of all the brave souls who have dedicated their time, services, expertise and resources to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (internationally named Haiyan).

“While we acknowledge that our help and support to Yolanda-affected areas is far from ceasing, at the moment there is some breathing space for us to pause and reflect, and to modestly acknowledge those who have been our partners in relief assistance,” Secretary Health Enrique Ona said.

It is appropriate that recognition is given to local government units, local health teams and volunteers, DOH regional hospitals and offices, and, especially, to foreign partners who went out of their way to extend every help they can.

On November 8, 2013, Typhoon Yolanda was recorded as the strongest in Philippine history. It was accompanied by monstrous winds and storm surges (10-15 feet) which smashed into coastal communities before leaving the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on November 9.

Initial report on November 8, revealed that a total of 26,675 families or 125,604 persons were affected in 33 cities and 73 municipalities in 22 provinces. A total of 109 evacuation centers were initially established. The cyclone caused catastrophic destruction in the Visayas, particularly Samar and Leyte, to which, according to UN officials, about 11 million people have been affected and left homeless.

However, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), revealed that there were 6,201 deaths and 27,665 injured. Most of the fatalities came from the three towns of Tacloban, Palo, and Tanauan, Leyte. Most of the injured suffered from cuts, wounds and fractures during the disaster while others were injured in flooding that followed the typhoon. Furthermore, 1,785 persons were reported missing. Extreme damage to infrastructure greatly affected the transportation of relief goods and the communication lines.

After the immediate provision of food aid, clean water, temporary shelters, and basic medical care, the original concerns over basic needs shifted to those on infectious disease, malnutrition, childbirth problems, mental health issues, and the needs of those with chronic diseases.

Stories were told. The team from Albay, one of the first to arrive, came in total darkness of Sunday, November 10, after traveling by ferry from Matnog and by land to Tacloban. The team from NCR was deployed and their goods supply was left behind in Cebu. This team had trouble eating for 2 days, living on cookies and dole outs from other groups.

“To the almost 9,000 medical/health responders from about 222 institutions and agencies, including the 351 medical teams both local and foreign, thanking you is an understatement. The DOH is indebted to all of you,” Ona concluded.

doh.gov.ph

Charice Pempengco and fashion designer Josie Natori to join June 15 Yolanda concert "After the Storm: A Benefit Concert for the Philippines"

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Internationally acclaimed singer Charice Pempengco and fashion designer Josie Natori are the latest additions to the list of participants in a June 15 concert in Washington D.C. to raise funds for victims of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Charice Pempengco

After the Storm: A Benefit Concert for the Philippines will be staged at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, 15 June 2014, according to Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr.

Cuisia reiterated his appeal to Filipino-Americans to buy tickets for the concert, saying this would help Yolanda victims rebuild their lives.

"We are delighted that the concert will be graced by such big talents. I am encouraging everyone to buy their tickets as soon as possible, as the first and second tier tickets are already sold out. By purchasing a ticket, you will be helping rebuild the devastation that occurred in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan," Cuisia said. (Read: Philippine Embassy website.)

Dubbed as "the most talented girl in the world" by Oprah Winfrey, Pempengco's star rose after she was discovered on YouTube. 

Josie Natori (Photo: AD/images)

Filipina-American philanthropist Natori is a multi-awarded designer and founder of The Natori Company, will be among the concert's special presenters.

The concert, dubbed "After the Storm: A Benefit Concert for the Philippines," will be held at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. on June 15.

Other talents slated to perform include:

- singer Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas

- actor Lou Diamond Phillips

- ballet dancer Christine Rocas

- tenor Rodell Rosel

- Tony award-winning Broadway artist Lea Salonga

- Glee star Darren Criss

- violinist Joshua Bell.

Also to be featured are the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra conducted by Luke Frazier and the Broadway Community Chorus founded by Baayork Lee, as well as video messages of hope from celebrities and other personalities from around the world.

The benefit concert is made possible with the cooperation of Philippine Embassy, US-Philippine Society and Philippine Humanitarian Coalition.

“After the Storm” will be directed by Bayork Lee, a Broadway Legend and it will be produced by Robert Pullen, an Emmy-nominated producer.

People who would like to purchase tickets online may log-in to www.kennedy-center.org.

Thousands of Youth Gather for Habitat Youth Build 2014 “Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!”

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This year’s Youth Build is expected to be one of the biggest youth gatherings in the country. Over 5,000 youth will converge at Habitat Youth Build 2014 “Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!”

“Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!” as this year’s Habitat for Humanity “Youth Build”, happening simultaneously on May 3, 2014 in five key provinces in the country, to make a commitment to help rebuild homes across calamity-stricken areas in the Philippines. 

Beginning May 3, young volunteers will sweat it out as they get their gloves, hard hats, and shovels ready to begin the construction of Habitat houses in earthquake-hit areas in Bohol, and Yolanda-affected communities in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Naga. After Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) destroyed parts of the country in November last year, Habitat launched its “Re-Build PH” campaign with a target to rebuild 30,000 houses. This year’s Youth Build aims to rally the youth to do their share to meet this target.

“Rebuilding the Philippines is everyone’s responsibility. This time, we want to gather our youth and tap into their passion and energy to help get the job done while at the same time serving as role models to the younger generation,” shares Charlie Ayco, Habitat for Humanity Philippine’s CEO and Managing Director.

“Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!”

Since the build-sites are mostly around the Visayas region, this year’s theme was taken from the local Visayan dialect-- “Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!” (Let’s gather. Let’s build. Let’s do it.) It hopes to speak more urgently to the Visayan youth to rise to the challenge of helping their own neighbors, friends, and kababayans rebuild their own communities by taking part in the Youth Build.

“For us to be able to truly move forward from the horrors of the earthquake and typhoon, we need to work hand-in-hand as one community-- the progress of one is the progress of all. We encourage the Boholanos to help their kababayans, because by doing so they are helping the entire province,” Ayco adds.

Rebuilding 7,000 houses in Bohol

In October last year, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake rocked parts of Bohol leaving houses in shambles and families homeless. The Youth Build targets to rebuild 7,000 homes in 16 municipalities across the province providing decent shelter to families still living in tents and make-shift houses.

To kick-off festivities in Bohol on May 3, a motorcade of celebrity youth supporters will take place in the morning leading all the way to the Habitat site in Loon, Bohol where Habitat’s Youth Council will begin the initial build. To cap the day, a youth concert open to the public will be staged to further urge the Boholano youth to respond to the call.

Other local festivities to kick-off the “Youth Build” will also happen in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Naga.

The Habitat Youth Build is a movement that engages young people to raise funds for, and awareness of the poverty housing situation in the Asia-Pacific region where one in eight people live in slums, according to the United Nations.

Now on its third year, the annual campaign challenges the youth to do something concrete to help. Young people from 11 other Habitat countries across the region will also participate and build or repair homes for low-income families. 

Habitat for Humanity Philippines is a global non-profit organization committed to addressing the housing backlog in the country.

To know more about Habitat and its programs, log on to www.habitat.org.ph.

DZMM Tulong Na, Tabang Na, Tayo Na, Takbo Na

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DZMM continues to advocate or the education of the kids of typhoon Yolanda victims, with a fun 5K Color Run "Tulong Na, Tabang Na, Tayo Na, Takbo Na 2014." It’s open to all runners of all speed and of all ages happening on May 4, 2014 starts at 5:30 am at the Bonifacio Global City. 

"Sa bawat hakbang, sa bawat takbo, hatid ay edukasyon sa mga batang sinalanta ng bagyo.”

We all know how our country was devastated by Typhoon Yolanda. We’ve seen the goodness of mankind with the donations worldwide. We can say that the ground works of rebuilding is in place and next in line is on how to help people reestablish their lives once again. The chance at a better life is through education. In line with this comes a color run by DZMM whose beneficiaries would be the identified scholars from the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. Each stride would really brighten up the life of the chosen beneficiaries.

The race is organized by Runrio, Inc and we all know the excellence in execution that Runrio stands for. They value the cause so much that they are organizing this event free of charge as part of their corporate social responsibility and Coach Rio would really want to see the event to be a success that he’ll donate an additional P200,000 once we reach the target 10,000 runners for this event. It’s now our time to do our share in this endeavor and register.

Register and have a colorful day as we get splashed with all natural and safe color powders while enjoying the 5K distance with a lot of people united in a common cause. 

Runners are suggested to bring in shades or protective eye wear for this event. End up as colorful as you can be by the time you hit the finish line and as you get to receive a finisher towel and a cap, smile because you also added color the lives of selected scholars by giving them a chance at education.

This is the fourth time DZMM is organizing a run to advocate education, following “Takbo Para sa Karunungan” that was held from 2011 to 2013 and benefited scholars from Ondoy, Sendong, and Habagat-affected areas. 

DZMM started organizing fun runs in 1999, when it launched the “DZMM Takbo Para sa Kalikasan.” It was annually held until 2010 to support several campaigns for the environment, such as the continued rehabilitation of the La Mesa watershed and the Pasig Rehabilitation Project through ABS-CBN Foundation's “Bantay Kalikasan.” 

Date and Venue:

May 4, 2014, Bonifacio Global City, 5:30 am

Distance and Fees

5K

P550 – Early Bird (March 17 – April 4 only)

P630 – Regular Rate

Senior Citizens discounts apply

Inclusive of Race Kit (Singlet, Timing Chip, Bib Number B-tag)

Finishers will receive a Limited Edition Towel and Cap; Gatorade and Premier Water at the finish line

Registration

Online at www.dzmm.com.ph/takbo 

R.O.X. – Level 2 R.O.X. Bldg. Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (12nn–8pm, Tel # 8564638)

Toby’s SM Mall of Asia – G/F Entertainment Mall, Roxas Blvd., Manila (12nn–8pm, Tel # 556-0445)

Toby’s SM North EDSA The Block

ABS-CBN Tulong Center (near Audience Entrance) 

The registration form may also be downloaded from dzmm.com.ph. To register, visit www.dzmm.com.ph. For inquiries, call the secretariat at 8876194 or 4152272 local 5603 and 5674.

Race Maps

Sta. Fe , Leyte students, barefoot no more

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More than a thousand barefoot kids and children in tattered shoes and worn out slippers marched toward the expansive school grounds of the Sta. Fe Central School, the biggest school in this district, last Tuesday morning, they diligently fell in line behind designated scouts who carried their special “numbers.”

Unmindful of the searing pre-noon heat, the students came from the 17 schools of Sta. Fe who were chosen to receive premium slip-ons from Skechers donated through Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines.

Before it reached the school, volunteers painstakingly went through the list earlier submitted by the teachers, ensuring that they had the right sizes and carried the huge cartons containing the Skechers slip-ons toward the delivery vans en route to the school.

Representatives from the Youth with a Mission (YWAM), to spice up the occasion, even presented a brief puppet show to the delight of children.

The distribution of the Skechers slip-ons was both fun and tedious. Trying the slip-ons to each and every student was a daunting task. But the reward came from the sincerest “Thank Yous” from the students, a tight hug, a big smile and the happy races of some of the students as they clutched their new pair of shoes while othes waved them on air.

Mrs. Rosario Buena, district supervisor of the Sta. Fe district which covers 17 schools and 3,999 total school population, said that the students were eagerly looking forward to this day when they would receive and bring home new pairs of footwear.

“Wala na kasi talaga silang gamit na sapatos. Tinangay ni Yolanda ang lahat ng kanilang mga gamit, mula bahay, damit, school supplies at mga sapatos. Noong sabihan ko sila na magbibigay ang Operation Blessing ng sapatos sa kanila dahil may donasyon ang Skechers, sobrang tuwa ng mga estudyante (The students do not have any more shoes left to use. Yolanda washed away everything that they had from their homes, clothes, school supplies, and their shoes. So, when I told them that Operation Blessing will be giving them shoes coming from the donation of Skechers, the students were so happy),” Mrs. Buena said.

She added that the new slip-ons meant a lot to the students, especially since most of them now come to school in tattered shoes and slippers, while some even go to school barefoot.

Mrs. Buena added that the new pairs of slip-ons signified new hope for the students and a validation that help will continue to come and that better days are bound to come.

She also thanked Operation Blessing for the simultaneous feeding programs being conducted in the different schools of the district which have motivated more students to regularly attend their classes.

International and Filipino Artists Create Exhibition to Support Typhoon Haiyan Relief Efforts

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A consortium of international and Filipino artists will open the “Haiyan International Fundraising Art Exhibition 2014” which features art works from over 40 international artists and 17 Filipino artists, showcases the support from the art community from around the world for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. This exhibition will be on April 6, 2014.

“Haiyan International Fundraising Art Exhibition 2014” was conceptualized by Singapore National Artist Goh Beng Kwan and Filipino artist Florence Cincowhen they and other artists from the ASEAN region convened to celebrate the 86thBirthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Thailand. Alongside Mr. Goh Beng Kwan and Mr. Cinco, the consortium of artists participating in the exhibition includes Mr. Ilseon Ryu (Korea), President and Art Director of Ecorea Biennale Committee and President of the Asia-Pacific Institute of Art & Research; Ms. Grete Marstein (Norway), President of the Norwegian Artists Copyright Association and International Vice President of the International Association of Art (UNESCO); Mr. Trinh Tuan (Vietnam); Mr. Daniel Houle Jayd (Canada), and Mr. Wattanachot Tungateja (Thailand).The exhibition is organized and curated by Mr. Florence Cinco, Mr. Red Mansueto, and Ms. Aimee Villas Adalla.

Each of the artists participating in the “Haiyan International Fundraising Art Exhibition 2014” has contributed an artwork in support of the ongoing relief and reconstruction efforts in the Visayas region.All proceeds from the art works sold during the exhibition will go to MyShelter Foundation, whose Liter of Light program provides low-cost, simple solar lighting to disaster-stricken areas, creating local jobs, teaching green skills, and empowering local communities.

Since Haiyan struck, thousands of people have lived without electricity. As a result, women feel unsafe, children cannot study at night, and households remain dependent on expensive or unreliable forms of lighting (i.e., kerosene, candles) to survive. In the most devastated communities, these alternative energy sources have already run out. MyShelter Foundation was the first organization to respond to the immediate need for lighting in Palo, Leyte, providing the cheapest form of lighting through its Liter of (Night) Lights and street lamps, which were assembled and installed in the community within 40 days of the disaster.

MyShelter Foundation-installed street lamps line the streets of Palo, Leyte, where local residents gathered to commemorate the 40^th day anniversary of Typhoon Haiyan.

Liter of Light’s efforts to aid the Typhoon Haiyan victims focus on assembling and installing night lights and street lamps for 228 bunkhouses in Leyte and Samar, the areas most affected by Typhoon Haiyan. At a cost of just US $9 per beneficiary, MyShelter Foundation’s Liters of Light will bring light and hope to over 27,000 people displaced and affected by the storm.

“Haiyan International Fundraising Art Exhibition 2014” runs from April 6-26, 2014 at Galleria Duemila. For more information, please call Tel. No. +63 2 831 9990; Telefax No. +63 2 833 9815 and look for Thess Ponce or Mark Arvin Patiag. You can also email us at gduemila@gmail.com or check out www.galleriaduemila.comfor more details and event happenings.

For more information on “Haiyan International Fundraising Art Exhibition 2014”, visit https://www.facebook.com/HaiyanInternationalArtFundraisingExhibition2014?ref=hl.

For more information on the Liter of Light and MyShelter Foundation, 

visitwww.aliteroflight.org or e-mail info@aliteroflight.org.

You may also contact Ami Valdemoro (for Liter of Light), ami@1LiterOfLight.org

Habitat for Humanity Philippines and BPI gives thanks with Zalora

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Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP), a non-profit organization that serves Filipino families in need of decent homes, bring together partners who share the same vision of transforming lives through building responsible and sustainable communities.

Recently, Habitat for Humanity Philippines (Habitat), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and Zalora Philippines (Zalora) launched a promo that encourages BPI Cardholders to help Typhoon Haiyan (local name Yolanda) survivors by shopping online.

“People have the heart to help, but sometimes don’t know how,” says Habitat CEO & Managing Director Charlie Ayco. “This partnership with BPI and Zalora is a good and easy way of doing so as we now move towards rebuilding the lives of those affected by Haiyan. We have a long way to go and every amount helps in giving these families back their homes.” ends Ayco.

Habitat aims to distribute 30,000 Shelter Repair Kits and build 30,000 core shelters for those affected by Haiyan depending on availability of funding.

BPI VP for Marketing Strategy and Development Angie Florentino says that “with BPI’s more than 1 million credit cardholders, and Zalora being the leading online fashion store in the country, we hope to generate a lot of donations while they shop.”

 “Thank you, Habitat and Zalora for undertaking this role with us as we continue to help those who survived Haiyan,” Florentino adds.

“Thank you for letting us be a part of this initiative,” Zalora Philippines Co-Founder and Managing Director Paulo L. Campos III says. “We are very excited in launching the promo with BPI. I’m sure our online shoppers will be thrilled with the 15% discount voucher they will receive when they donate to Habitat.” ends Campos.

The BPI-Zalora promo is open to all qualified BPI credit card holders. BPI cardholders may donate a minimum of P1,000.00 using any BPI Card variant via www.give2habitat.org/philippines/ReBuildPhilippines. 

They will then receive a 15% ZALORA discount voucher code via e-mail which may be used upon checkout when they shop at ZALORA.COM.PH. Discount is not valid for sale items and brand exclusions apply. Terms and conditions apply. 

Promo is from March 15 – June 15, 2014.

David Beckham's Valentine in Tacloban helping Yolanda survivors

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The International  Football legend and formerly LA Galaxy midfielder, superstar David Beckham arrived in Tacloban on Thursday, February 13, 2014  to visit the survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda. David Beckham first landed at Cebu-Mactan International Airport via Hong Kong at around 11:00 AM via Cathay Pacific flight CX 931, a few hours later he arrived at Tacloban City.

The recently retired player arrived in Cebu at around 11 a.m. and then left for Tacloban on board a Dornier 228 plane with registry UNO 117H along with seven other people.

Beckham is visiting Tacloban with the United Nations International Emergency Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Beckham is accompanied by seven other passengers from UNICEF as they boarded a Dornier 222-200 aircraft flight UNO-117H to depart from Cebu at 12:00 noon and arrived at Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban at exactly 12:30 PM.

He will also spend his Valentines Day with the survivors of the super typhoon.

This is the second visit of the legendary soccer player in the Philippines when he previously played in an exhibition match in the country on Dec. 3, 2011 with his former club Los Angeles Galaxy of the Major League Soccer against the Philippine Azkals.

David Beckham is one of the UNICEF ambassador since the year 2005, his visit in the country is to oversee the relief and recovery efforts of the UN agency focused on children in Tacloban City. 

Aside from being a UNICEF ambassador, David Beckham and his wife Spice Girl Victoria, also raised funds for the typhoon survivor and personally donated a total of 20 boxes of clothes to the British Red Cross.

Photos of David Beckham’s Arrival in Tacloban City: (Photo Credit: Twitter)