Aid to Refugees of Storms, Floods, and Violence

Dear Friends,

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, school districts around the world, in urban communities and underserved villages in remote mountains or jungles have been devastated physically and psychologically.  In the Philippines, Asia America Initiative, along with local partners and hundreds of local volunteers – whether members of Christian, Muslim or mountain tribes -- are standing together to overcome a difficult educational environment.

In 2023, although the pandemic has subsided, we now face intensifying "Ring of Fire" volcanoes, earthquakes and  changing weather patterns of El Nino. In addition to rebuilding ramshackle schools, we are bringing food, water, hygiene materials, and health-hygiene supplies to villages damaged by typhoons and other natural disasters.

We are providing life-saving aid to thousands of families displaced by volcanoes, typhoons, fires, and floods. AAI and our partners are providing emergency food, water, tarp shelters, blankets, hygiene, face masks, and basic health care items for displaced families and isolated elderly individuals.  At this time, we are building up our supply chain to provide support for an additional 20,000 people in the Davao area of Mindanao region and the Cordilleras Mountainous region of northern Luzon. Thus far, in 2023, we have delivered more than 15 tons of food and medical supplies and thousands of gallons of clean water.

"Bayanihan" is a Filipino term meaning to extend a helping hand to one's neighbors. "Our volunteers come from all walks of life. We are blessed to be able to work together and help so many people." says Dr. Yolanda who leads the coordinated efforts by brave and dedicated men and women who enthusiasticly dedicate their time and energy.

In the Davao region of Mindanao, a local mayor observed, "It is unbelievable that volunteers would devote time away from their own families to help our communities. Many have lost everything in storms and floods, but we know we are not forgotten."

We are assisting tribes such as the Mangyans in Mindoro and Manobo people in central Mindanao.  We are also assisting the Igorot indigenous people in the Ilocos area of Luzon. In remote Kalinga Province in the northern Cordilleras Mountain region, our volunteers and Igorot native people use rope pulleys and wooden pallets to transport tons of health and school supplies across mountain ravines, thousands of feet deep. "It is as if we are visited by angels,” says a Kalinga tribal elder. "We could not imagine that outsiders could locate our village.”

Our courageous and unselfish volunteers have the will and dedication to not only feed and heal the injured but repair broken-down schools. Our unsung heroes are GlobalGiving donors who make these missions possible through your generous donations. 

If you would like to add to your support, please click on the link below. We are accepting donations to send tons of supplies to AAI-supported communities in the weeks to come.

Thank you for helping families who have become refugees.

Aid to Refugees of Taal Volcano, Floods, COVID-19

Thank you,

Albert Santoli

Director Asia America Initiative

Links:

• organization website