The destruction caused by Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) is enormous. The news covers a lot of what happened to Tacloban, but there are so many other areas affected as well. Not only in the province of Leyte, but in the provinces of Samar (all of them), Biliran, Aklan, Palawan, Cebu, Iloilo and Capiz. It’s daunting.
And just watching the local news and hearing the survivors’ plea for food and water… what can we do? Help with money, go to relief operation areas, pray… but it is still so difficult knowing that there are people in agony in those areas and we are far away.
After the first few reports came in (days ago), CFC FFL started planning a trip to Tacloban to help with the onsite relief operations. But the feedback we got (at that time, maybe three days ago) was discouraging. Roads blocked, looting, and just not to proceed but to pass through agencies that have protection already in the area. I think it is getting sorted out as the days go by, but in the meantime, we will be sending to those other places not covered by international media: like Aklan and Palawan for starters.
Above is the poster we have for the appeal. Pls. help in any way you can.
The Padilla 7 