Last October 15, 2013, the Philippines experienced Mother Nature’s force through something that would permanently mark on everyone. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake shaked the Central Visayas region, particularly Bohol and Cebu.
It was noted to be the deadliest earthquake to hit the Philippines in the last two decades and is said to be equivalent to 30 Hiroshima bombs.
According to official reports, at least 200 were the reported fatalities, at least 900 were left injured and at least 70,000 structures were damaged including some historical landmarks in the region to be partly and totally damaged.
Relief operations were made but had difficulty in delivery due to some closed roads. As of December, a total of 4,000 aftershocks were noted.
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November 7, 2013, another force of Mother Nature was felt in the Visayas Region. Still recovering from the recent earthquake then comes the super typhoon Yolanda (international name, Typhoon Haiyan) which was noted to be the strongest typhoon in the world made landfall at Guiuan, Eastern Samar. The number of fatalities totaled to over 6,000, missing to at least 1,500 while leaving more than 25,000 people injured. With that numbers, one would wonder if they were still structures left standing. Due to the storm surge, many communities along the coastal areas were wiped out.
Different nations around the world offered assistance, be in financially or tons of relief goods or extending their humanitarian services for the devastated area. Many could not believe what happened in that particular region, but beyond the obstacles and suffering, Filipino’s ability to smile amidst the pain gain the admiration of the countries that help. Still seeing the good in spite of what happened is a trait the Filipinos are made of.
Aside from the enormous help outside the country, domestic help also poured in as various organization, communities and individuals had different ways to extend assistance for our countrymen. Various fund raising events all for the benefit of the typhoon were organized.
In our own way, JD Pamana Foundation, did it’s share in helping through these calamities by donating used clothing and financial donations to DSWD, the agency who plays a major part in distributing help to our countrymen.
