Philippine Fellows Mobilize Typhoon Relief Efforts

Here at YouthActionNet, we tell the stories of our Fellows' extraordinary impact--their beneficiaries, expansive volunteer networks, and innovative revenue generation strategies. Our Fellows' impact, though, goes beyond the work they do as founders and CEOs. On a personal level, they can't resist acting on the compulsion to right the wrongs in our world.

Anna carries emergency supplies

Knowing the selflessness of our Fellows, it wasn't a surprise to see that just hours after the devastating typhoon in the Philippines last week, our local alumni were hard at work, spreading messages of resilience and forging partnerships to address urgent needs and long-term rebuild efforts.

2013 Laureate Global Fellow Anna Oposa founded Save Philippine Seas to teach children and communities how to love and protect precious aquatic resources. One of the schools that Anna works with on the island of Malapascua was badly damaged during the unprecedented storm. Anna made her way back to the island this week and captured these heartbreaking images. On her blog, Anna explains:

 "The last few days have proven that the bigger the heartbreak, the greater the comfort...We are very grateful for everyone’s support and are fully committed to rebuild Malapascua with a vengeance." 

All donations made to Save Philippine Seas at this time will  go toward rebuilding the elementary school. Due to heavy activity, the organization's PayPal account is temporarily on hold, but you can donate using banking instructions listed below.

Anna has also partnered with other young changemakers in an effort called Bundles of Joy and Letters of Hope. Currently working to reach survivors in areas that have not yet been reached by other aid, the grassroots initiative is delivering emergency supplies (bundles of joy) with a "letter of hope" from the local and international community to show encouragement and solidarity. Join the efforts by donating via PayPal and leaving a letter of hope on their Facebook wall. 

Rainbow over Tacloban, photo by Raffy Tima

Fellow Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, founder of Rags2Riches, a social enterprise that creates eco-ethical fashion through working with artisans in low-income communities, is another YouthActionNet alumna who sprang into action by mobilizing the shipment of supplies to those who need them most. Leveraging her vast social network to connect donors, carrier companies, and volunteers, she's making sure that those looking to help know where to direct their efforts. Reese recently shared this photo of a rainbow over Tacloban one week after the typhoon struck with the caption "a promise of hope and better days to come." 

Currently living in Japan, Filipina Fellow Audrey Codera organized a private movement among her family and friends from all over the world to bring relief items to Ormoc, Leyte.  Her first shipment of goods for distribution will leave this weekend, courtesy of LBC Shipping. LBC is accepting free shipments to the Philippines for typhoon victims until November 30th. Visit their website to see if there is a branch near you. 

Workers begin producing toilets

While many volunteers are focusing on food, water, and shelter, Fellow Jed Sayre is hard at work addressing a sometimes overlooked issue--hygiene and sanitation. Jed is the Executive Director of ALLEY-NM, an environmental education and empowerment initiative that partners with the Water, Agroforestry, Nutrition, and Development Foundation (WAND) to build low-cost, eco-friendly toilets in low-income communities. It's easy to help Jed and his team via two Global Giving campaigns: help build low-cost toilets in Tacloban city, or contribute to a food security project promoting backyard gardening.

 It is inspiring to see the resilient spirit of our Fellows and the communities in which they live. While circumstances in hard-hit areas remain dire and the loss is great, we have hope knowing the future of the Philippines is in the helping hands of leaders like Anna, Reese, Jed, and Audrey.  

To donate to Save Philippine Seas, please follow the below banking instructions: Banco de Oro | Savings Account | NAME: Philippine Seatizens, Inc. |ACCOUNT NUMBER: 143 0146 735 | SWIFT CODE: BNORPHMM

The last few days have proven that the bigger the heartbreak, the greater the comfort. The support from the local and international community have been very overwhelming. We are very grateful for everyone’s support and are fully committed to rebuild Malapascua with a vengeance. - See more at: http://savephilippineseas.tumblr.com/post/66852519835/help-malapascua-network#sthash.Rlmn9G4k.dpuf

The last few days have proven that the bigger the heartbreak, the greater the comfort. The support from the local and international community have been very overwhelming. We are very grateful for everyone’s support and are fully committed to rebuild Malapascua with a vengeance. - See more at: http://savephilippineseas.tumblr.com/post/66852519835/help-malapascua-network#sthash.Rlmn9G4k.dpuf

The last few days have proven that the bigger the heartbreak, the greater the comfort. The support from the local and international community have been very overwhelming. We are very grateful for everyone’s support and are fully committed to rebuild Malapascua with a vengeance. - See more at: http://savephilippineseas.tumblr.com/post/66852519835/help-malapascua-network#sthash.Rlmn9G4k.dpuf

The last few days have proven that the bigger the heartbreak, the greater the comfort. The support from the local and international community have been very overwhelming. We are very grateful for everyone’s support and are fully committed to rebuild Malapascua with a vengeance. - See more at: http://savephilippineseas.tumblr.com/post/66852519835/help-malapascua-network#sthash.Rlmn9G4k.dpuf