Yolanda caused massive destruction and devastation to the citizens of the south-eastern provinces in the Philippines last November 8, 2013. This is currently one of the worst natural disaster in the country and possibly in the world. It has displaced over three million people, damaging over a million homes and killing more than five thousand people. OBJECTIVES
This project involves a long-term re
habilitation and rebuilding program for the victims of typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). It hopes to become a model program that will help us be more prepared for the next calamity. Furthermore, it aims to educate everyone that these disaster will continue to happen unless we humans will start giving more care for our environment. Most important of all, this program is about HOPE. Its about recognizing that as long as there are good people, there will be hope. Never underestimate the power of one. This Project is called “Operation: H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Progress & Excel). The number of family evacuees at the tent city in Pasay is fast rising. This project aims to put up a resettlement area here in Zambales in order to help decongest the evacuation centers in Manila. We have already coordinated with Zambales LGU through Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain. He has committed an area along San Marcelino that can serve as the site for this resettlement area. The objective is not just for an initial relief but rehabilitation that involves several components for a vital support system which includes:
- Medical assistance
- Education
- Stress debriefing
- Spiritual building
- Livelihood
The livelihood program can work with the current booming tourism industry in the region by being able to supply resources such as food and raw materials. Furthermore, it can also serve as a sustainable and eco-friendly community which also invite volunteerism/voluntourism. The Department of Tourism said that the outpouring of support shows that travel and tourism have transformed the globe into one community, ready to stand by each other not only in times of festivities, but in times of challenges. Tourism continues to be one of the major contributors to the economy, playing a significant role in rebuilding lives and business in communities. Lastly, this program will be a study that can help us better prepare in these types of calamities. CLIMATE CHANGE
According to Climate Change Commission vice chairperson Lucille Sering, greenhouse gas emissions greatly contribute to global warming. The Philippine delegation during the 19th Conference of Parties UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP19) in Warsaw, Poland has been pushing for the establishment of a “loss and damage” mechanism that tackles measures that will help prevent further loss and damage as a result of disasters and calamities, or help mitigate their effects. Sering noted that the loss and damage is “imperative” especially because industrialized countries display a lack of commitment in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. Thousands of people unite all over the world including government, private businesses and other organizations to give aid to the victims of the typhoon. Sering stressed, “Relief is only temporary. Prevention is more necessary.” She also urged countries to provide $100 billion by 2020 for the Green Climate Fund to be co-chaired by Albay Governor Joey Salceda, to extend developing countries financial support for their mitigation and adaptation activities. Yolanda is the new benchmark for disaster prevention. BE PREPARED
As long as the problem with our environment exists, this natural disaster will just keep getting worse. We have to be prepared. Funding such as the GCF can help us develop Zambales into a “Disaster Relief Hub” that can serve as the center for Disaster Management Services here in the Philippines. As a former naval base, the Subic Bay Freeport is equipped to handle such calamity and can serve as base camp or command center. Moreover, it is accessible by land, air and sea that can serve as the hub for all relief aids coming from anywhere in the world. Its terrain is ideal for training disaster response teams that can easily be deployed in affected areas. This will provide the country a successful disaster recovery program which can be aligned to the current House Bill 3351 proposed by Rep Weslie Gatchalian which institutes a National Disaster Rehabilitation Program and the establishment of the Philippine Disaster Rehabilitation Commission (PDRC) which aims to speed up the recovery and the return of normalcy of affected areas. According to Philippine Star (November 21, 2013), the bill stresses that It is “the policy of the state to assist the victims in the communities damaged or destroyed or adversely affected by disasters and its after-effects by extending to them aid, relief, resettlement, rehabilitation and livelihood services and by undertaking construction or repair and reconstruction of infrastructure to the end that life may return to normalcy at the earliest possible time and the development of areas affected.”
Hopefully this project will not only help the victims of the typhoon Yolanda and prepare us for the next disaster, but at the same time encourage people to recognize that the root of this problem is also related to the way humans have exploited the planet. We hope to be able to change the way people see nature and encourage them to live a more eco-friendly life. FILIPINO VALUES IN ACTION
Zambales is an ideal location, equipped in managing reliefs, rehabilitation and an effective resettlement program since it has first hand experience in handling a large scale disaster such as the Mount Pinatubo Eruption in 1991. During the time of the eruption of Pinatubo, the local people of Olongapo and Zambales has experienced receiving aid and assistance. It is safe to say that this project will be supported by the local people and create a brand that “Zambales Cares”. It aims to give the people ownership of this endeavor and encourage everyone including local businesses to be part of this very meaningful project. It also creates a moral awakening and national consciousness on human values that are unique, genuine and positively Filipino. Values such as compassion, generosity, hospitality, patience, diligence and even resourcefulness are some noteworthy traits. It is these values and other Filipino traits that have allowed us to weather many storms and we can also use these to move forward from Yolanda. We recognize the large scope of this project, but if not us, then who? If not now, then when? We appeal for your support in this project. Your contribution will go a long way not just in helping those victims of the typhoon but also showing everyone that there is HOPE. This project is organized by The Lighthouse Marina Resort Legacy Foundation. For more information please email us at legacysubic@gmail.com.
