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| Moving on... |
I would like to thank the following
partners and supporters for accommodating my team: Cebu Pacific Air and DOT
Eastern Visayas
Seven months
after typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) wrought devastation in Visayas and Palawan – the
struggle and fight continue on…
While the
battle is somewhat subsiding in most parts, Eastern Visayan cities or towns are
still fighting and just slowly recovering from the nightmare brought about by
the strongest recorded typhoon that ever hit the Philippine shore. Or the world.
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| A Welcome sign outside the airport. Shelter tents visible from a distance | . |
While many people had picked up their pieces
and moved on, others are still living through the post-apocalyptic effects of
giant waves and killer storm. Some still
live in tents, some struggle to find income enough to meet their daily needs,
still others battle post-traumatic stress, or even nightmares about lost family
members…
My trip was
an eye-opener in many ways. While the
primary objective was to tour (and encourage others to also visit) and help
rebuild the economy, the interaction with the survivors and the sight of ruins
told me many things... The severity of
the devastation; the long fight ahead
especially for unattended segments of the society (like kids with special
needs), our own lack of disaster preparedness;
but it also showed the strong resiliency of our communities, and the heart and
passion of those who survived and stayed to help others.
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| Disembarking passengers from a plane, as seen from partially reconstructed airport |
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| We visited 4 schools to hand-over donations |
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| and also planted seedlings |
The good
news was that, recovery is on the way and one may feel that most parts are back
to normal. Shops had opened, as well as
hotels, restaurants and many other businesses. There were new visible players
in the business arena, them recognizing both the need and revenue
potential. Road transport system is
normal; even airport is very operational albeit still in a bad state and shape.
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| one of several stranded ships |
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| still intact building in downtown city |
What’s new
and unique for me are visits to the ‘ruins’ or remnant signs of the past
typhoon. Several huge ships are still
stuck inland, and perhaps will stay there for a long time – if not for good.
Big structures like the Sto. Nino church ruin and collapsed stadium are good
for ‘reminder pictures’… Reminder about the power of nature, or how fragile
life is.
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| This building was a shelter to many people during the raging storm |
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| Sto Nino church, destroyed by the typhoon |
Our tour
didn’t only capture ‘the usual’, we went to Ulot (Samar) – 1.5 hours away from
Tacloban to experience a unique boat ride .
They call it a ‘Torpedo ride’.
It was a surprisingly long but fast motorized boat that was operated by
expert pilot who navigated through rapids and boulder-full of river. It offered a thrill ride where you see
yourself zooming fast very near big rocks and obstacles, and sometimes get free
shower from big splashes of water as the boat cuts through the waves. Taking this boat ride also supported the
livelihood project that would offer income to local guides and boat owners – to
lead them away from unsustainable tree-poaching.
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| Torpedo boat ride in Ulot river |
All in all -
the trip was simply great, rewarding and fun. The people who we’ve all met and
interacted with helped a lot in my own understanding about the calamity, about
survival, about genuine care to others, about the on-going needs of many
people, and about our continual fight against many challenges.
Our visit
was short but sweet, and fulfilling. And
I’m sure, anyone who will visit Tacloban or the surrounding areas would have,
not just nice pictures to bring home - but also the same pleasant, memorable and
fulfilling experiences.
Tara na!
We’d also like to thank our
supporters and friends from – Granda Manor, Bukid Outdoor, Calle Z, Leyte Gulf
Travel and Tours.
To help you with your bookings, contact: Bukid Outdoor and Travel (Jason 0918 905 0079), or Leyte Gulf Travel (Ludette 0918 938 3960)
To help you with your bookings, contact: Bukid Outdoor and Travel (Jason 0918 905 0079), or Leyte Gulf Travel (Ludette 0918 938 3960)
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| the 2 crazy dudes in San Juanico Bridge |
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