When In Manila – everyone is doing their share to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan/ Yolaanda. From the rich businessmen to the young children, everyone is finding their own ways to help the victims of typhoon Haiyan / typhoon Yolanda.
It’s been over a week since typhoon Yolanda angrily swept through several cities in the the Visayan region such a Samar, Leyte, Aklan, Coron and others. Thousands of people both young and old were killed, hundreds of thousands left with nothing but the clothes on their back and over 11 million others affected. Though the typhoon has been very devastating, some good also came out of it. For only now have I seen thousands of people working together for one common cause. For once, indifference and feuds were put aside to help those who really needed it.
Since the typhoon, billions of pesos have already been donated to the Philippines from different countries and organizations worldwide. I don’t want to start mentioning countries in fear of missing out on others, but in behalf of all my fellow men…. THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!
Earlier today as I was watching CNN, I heard of even more good news. Despite several ongoing feuds, China has pledged 1.6 million USD worth of relief efforts such as blankets and tents to the Philippines for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. They originally sent 100,000 USD to Red Cross and another 100,000 USD financial aid.
Besides the feud on the rightful owner of West Philippine Sea, another feud has also arose from a hostage taking incident last 2010 where a former officer held a bus of Chinese tourist hostage. Weeks before the typhoon hit, I have been reading posts from Facebook users exclaiming their thoughts on this feud. Others begging the Philippine government to simply apologize, while others standing their ground and saying there is no reason to apologize. Both sides have reasonable arguments, none wanting to give in. So when Typhoon Haiyan / Typhoon Yolanda hit, most weren’t expecting much from China.
It was definitely a surprise and such uplifting news to learn that despite all these, China still decided to help out. Initially, China was only planning to donate $100,000. They however raised their donations to more than a million just recently. Though others continue to ridicule the country for giving a small amount, I personally thank them for giving. It’s not the amount shared but the thought behind it. It’s heartwarming enough that they even considered donating. I am a proud Filipino, and I am not saying the Philippines is right or China is wrong. I simply understand that when disagreements erupt, it’s not often easy to put emotion aside to help out. Does it really take a calamity like this to bring nations together? The Philippines is grateful for any help sent our way, regardless how big or small. Thank you to all the countries and people who’ve helped out!
Here’s how you can help too!
