SO if there’s anything heartwarming that has surfaced after the devastation of Typhoon Carina (Gaemi)—which we so needed after this stark reminder, again, of the lack of national preparedness and leadership and dependable infrastructure, but please don’t get us started—it’s how Filipinos have taken it upon themselves to help each other, perhaps because they know nobody else will.
People had too many flashbacks to Ondoy (Ketsana) of 2009, but reports say the rainfall this time exceeded even that nightmare. “The widespread and destructive flooding has put fresh scrutiny on the Philippines’ ability to respond to disasters,” CNN reported. “The archipelago experiences several typhoons a year, but the human-caused climate crisis has made storms more unpredictable and extreme—while leaving the nation’s poorest most vulnerable.”
Hardly had the last raindrop from Carina fallen, however, when social media was buzzing with calls for help to provide food and essentials to over 200,000 displaced all over the country, including almost every city in Metro Manila. People were again on rooftops, and vehicles were swept away. (So maybe that tone-deaf social media personality still wants to send her kids into floodwaters? Give it a try, girl.)
And lest people think fans of Korean superband BTS have nothing better to do than scream for their idols (Kim Namjoon! Kim Seokjin! Min Yoong…oh wait), here comes OnlyBangtanPH. As of the morning of July 25, Thursday, the fan group had raised P82,859 for the victims of Carina—and going up—to be channeled through Angat Buhay PH. “The donation certification will be named under BTS ARMY, showcasing our collective commitment to supporting those in need.” Good job, ARMYs; check out their Twitter account, @OnlyBangtan PH, or scan their QR code.
Other groups have likewise joined the efforts. The Ateneo-based Tanging Yaman Foundation has opened its doors for evacuees, as well as for donations in kind:
Individuals like chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou, working with other chefs and Patricia Non of Community Pantry fame, mobilized kitchens for food, and are still at it. Check out their channels:
And finally, because some Filipinos are still so stubborn about tying up or caging their pets after leaving them behind, animal welfare groups like the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and Biyaya Animal Sanctuary were again on the ground in Marikina:
A quick scan of social media platforms will reveal many more groups doing their part—so let’s do ours.
