Help Filipino Communities Prepare for Disaster

Thank you so much for helping Filipino communities prepare for disaster. In our last project report we explained how Covid-19 related lockdowns had been imposed again in the community of Banaba.

Happily restrictions have now eased once more, and that means we’ve been able to gather photos and stories of some of those your donations have helped.

The first (above) is of 73 year old Yolanda. Yolanda’s husband sadly died eight years ago and she lives with her two grandchildren in the Baybay Ilog 2 area of Banaba. Life has been tough for Yolanda since her husband’s death and she lives in a poorly constructed house just 10m (30ft) from the banks of the Nangka river. Her home is often flooded during heavy rains and typhoons.

Yolanda’s age means she can’t move quickly, and she was in real danger of being trapped by the floods caused by typhoon Ulysses in late 2020. Thankfully, one of our flood rescue boats was nearby and able to save Yolanda’s family and their neighbours. 

Ka Noli, President of our local partner - Buklod Tao, recently interviewed Yolanda and here’s what she had to say:

“The rescue boats are a big help to us and to my neighbors. Many of us would have drowned if there were not boats. Thank you to the donors for protecting us”.

The second face (below) is of 66 year old Simplicio. Simplicio lives with his wife and their three children in Banaba's Dona Pepeng Subdivision. Their home is made of lightweight materials and the landowner lets them stay in return for their stewardship of the property. They live close to two rivers and, like Yolanda, their home is often damaged or destroyed during floods and typhoons.

After typhoon Ulysses Simplicio’s daughter Karen developed a skin condition and the family’s low income meant they couldn’t afford to buy the medication she needed.

Thankfully, because of your donations, we were able to help Karen and several of her neighbours get the medicines they needed. Simplicio had this to day:

“Karen is now doing well because of the medical assistance from IDV donors. Thank you!”.

We echo Yolanda’s and Simplicio’s thanks. While they were both helped in the aftermath of typhoon Ulysses, it’s only because of your support that we’re able to help Buklod Tao prepare to respond when the community needs it most.

We’ll keep you posted as our work in Banaba continues, and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email Andy@IDVolunteers.org. I’d be delighted to hear from you as always.