In response to Typhoon Carina, which resulted in severe flooding, destroyed homes, and the loss of property and livelihoods, we initiated rice distribution and medical missions. These initiatives aim to address food insecurity and health concerns caused by the typhoon while ensuring the well-being of our sponsored children and families. From August 6 to 15, we deployed teams to provide rice packs and medical services to different communities.
As of August 15, we have reached 3,295 families and 1,640 individuals:
- 694 families in Sitio Bakal (Quezon City) and Sitio Ibayo (San Mateo, Rizal), each receiving 15 kilos of rice. 287 individuals were served during the Medical Mission.
- 1,586 families in San Isidro and Southville (Rodriguez, Rizal) with 15 kilos of rice each. 620 individuals were served during the Medical Mission.
- 1,015 families in Pugad, Tibaguin, and Sagrada Familia (Hagonoy, Bulacan), receiving 15 kilos of rice each. 733 individuals were served during the Medical Mission.
Through our post-disaster recovery program, we will help rebuild the homes of our three sponsored families that were completely destroyed. As part of our mission to empower people, we will also provide fishing gear to fisherfolk to help them get back on their feet. By adopting a holistic approach, our efforts aim to ensure that affected children and families have enough food, are healthy and safe, and have the essential needs to further improve their economic situation.
Going Beyond Relief: Building Resilient Communities
We believe that the true strength of a community lies in its people, and that belief was affirmed through our experience. The Filipino community, in particular, is no stranger to disasters and crises, living in one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. This reality has become increasingly evident with the escalating impacts of climate change.
Learning from previous experiences in dealing with disasters, Good Neighbors Philippines is committed to changing mindsets and creating a culture of preparedness. We aim to move from just reacting to disasters to being ready for them before they happen. Our goal is to develop lasting solutions that help communities stay strong and prepared for any future challenges.
Bringing Good Neighbors Together
In our work, we have witnessed firsthand the remarkable resilience and generosity of the communities we serve. In some of the areas we visited, the people went above and beyond—preparing food for our team and actively helping us support their neighbors. Rather than simply giving, we felt that we received so much more in return—an outpouring of kindness, generosity, and inspiration from hearing their stories.
Through the kindness we have received, we can reach more people — bringing hope and striving to be Good Neighbors every day.
“Bilang isang Good Neighbor, natutunan ko na ang pagtulong sa iba ay isang masayang karanasan. Hindi lamang ito tungkol sa pagtugon sa kanilang pangangailangan, kundi naging daan din ito para hubugin ang aking pagkatao—na hindi lang sarili ang dapat isipin, kundi ang kapakanan ng iba. Habang tumatanda ako, palagi kong dadalhin ang alaala na naging bahagi ako ng kanilang buhay, at sila rin ay naging bahagi ng akin.
– Cristina Gomez, Emergency Response Team Volunteer, Social Development Division Staff, Good Neighbors Philippines
Kapag mahal mo ang ginagawa mo, mapapagod ka, pero hindi ka susuko. Ganon din sa pagtulong—mapapagod ka man, pero hindi mo dapat sukuan.”
Together, we will build back better and stronger.
Related article: https://www.goodneighbors.org/rebuilding-stronger-filipino-communities-after-typhoon-gaemi/