Can a letter give hope and encouragement? Children in the Philippines answer “yes” and have been sending letters full of love, encouragement, and solidarity to families affected by the firefighting in Marawi since last month.
A group of private individuals in Luzon in coordination with the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (ARMM) Cabinet Secretary Khal Mambuay-Campong initiated this campaign.
Writers are encouraged to try to use the Meranao language so as to foster more solidarity with the families in Marawi. As part of the Letters of Hope initiative, the volunteers have provided an infographic of Meranao phrases and their English translation.
Letters may be sent to the following drop-off points:
PARANAQUE: Veritas Catholic School
MUNTINLUPA: Alabang Hills, contact 09178615497
MAKATI: Contact 0998-9550680 to agree on a pick-up point (lunch hour/after work)
QUEZON CITY: Quezon City Science High School
FAIRVIEW: Raya School (look for Teacher Mykey or Kuya Joel)
Letters may also be emailed to the email address: mgzaraneta@gmail.com.
According to reports, over 300,000 individuals were displaced by the crisis in Marawi. Most are now in evacuation centers, or staying with relatives.
To the families of Marawi, please know that “sisi-i kano sa puso ami.”
Since you’re here–please consider helping send food, medicine, diapers, and other essential items to the children of Marawi. We’re doing a fundraising drive and we need to meet the target amount to have enough supplies to ship to evacuation sites in Lanao del Norte. You can donate through Paypal, credit card, and Bancnet, Gcash, Smart Money, banks, 7-Eleven, SM, Robinsons, LBC, Cebuana Lhuillier, Bayad Center, and other payment centers.
Click here to donate.
Photo credits: Nash Tysman and Sabrina Ongkiko
