After the initial chaos of donating and sending relief
goods, concerned citizens have been asking – What else can we do to help?
Contrary to what we may have assumed, putting
Yolanda-stricken areas back to their working and stable form is still a long
and arduous process. Rehabilitation
work, though happening in many areas – will take many months and years to
complete.
While it may not be
practical for all working-class to visit and participate in week-long, even month-long
effort, there’s one simple way were ALL of us can do to help. Rebuild
local economy through tourism.
Imagine a simple scenario - if just half of the ~1.3 million annual visitors
of Boracay spend their vacation in Tacloban and nearby area this year, that’s
already double of last year’s Eastern Visayas’ tourist volume! The huge influx of money will speed up
recovery and growth of Tacloban. Not
only that - it will surely bring back the proud smiles of our local folks, and
the confidence to move beyond the pains and sadness caused by Yolanda…
Money that we, as tourist will spend for transport, meals, hotels, tour guides and other service
fees – will go a long way.
Collectively, we’ll be able to
help sustain relevant small and big businesses, and re-establish the broken
supply chain that once move the local economy.
Of course, an option to do few hours of actual rehabilitation work may
be included in the itinerary, and/or donations to communities that are still
getting meager or minimal financial support.
So have FUN, and help on the side. Call your friends and buddies, book your
flights and hotels – and LET’S GO!
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