How To Help The Philippines Recover After Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda

This past Friday, November 8, 2013, Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda ripped through the Visayan Islands of the Philippines, leaving an estimated 10,000 dead and 600,000 displaced.

Not only is this news disturbing on a general national and global level; but, personally, my mother’s family grew up in the Visayan Island of Panay, in a small rural town called Iloilo, which I visited almost every other year growing up, and so I was especially concerned about the outcome of this super typhoon.  Luckily, my family was spared, due to the simple geography that Panay is one of the western islands, and the path of destruction was on the eastern islands.  From Facebook and Twitter alone, I could see that I was only one of many who were sending prayers, light, intention, and love, so that the typhoon would pass through as quickly as possible, with the least amount of damage and loss of life possible.  With the toll being what it is (so far), I can’t even imagine the extent of the damage had there been no prayers, light, love, or intention sent!

I’ve noticed some interesting news coverage on this event – from truthful, sobering accounts of what’s happening, to strange opinions similar to, “due the resiliency of the Filipino peoples, they had the privilege of enduring the strongest typhoon ever recorded.”  True, they are resilient, but the Philippines is a third world country with a corrupt government that does not really hold the integrity of their people, especially in the rural areas, in earnest.  No soapbox here, just truth.  In addition, global warming has increased the impact of this typhoon, a subject of which is starting to be explored by scientists now.  This is a country that is destitute to begin with, with a large rift between the small population of the rich upper class, and the numerous lower class.  So, being that the Philippines’ population is largely in poverty, what little residents had have been wiped out.  When you factor in that the powerful winds that literally snatched families apart, no matter how hard the grip, the potential for loss is immense.  According to CNN, “With sustained winds of 195 mph (315 kph) and gusts as strong as 235 mph (380 kph), Haiyan may be the strongest tropical cyclone to hit land anywhere in recorded history.”

However, in the true nature of Yin and Yang, you cannot have massive destruction without massive healing.  So how can you help from wherever you live?  Instead of giving to the larger organizations like Red Cross, where red tape is endless (even after Superstorm Sandy in the NYC Metro Area, there were many complaints that Red Cross and FEMA weren’t getting relief out to where it was most needed, relief was greatly delayed, and the U.S. is supposedly a first world country!), consider giving to local, grassroots organizations that bypass the red tape, and most importantly, the Philippine government, which would likely pocket some of the booty before giving it to those who really need it (believe me, I’ve seen it in action!)

Here are some resources to help with relief efforts for Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda:

National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) – NAFCON is giving funds directly to grassroots relief and rehabilitation organization Bayanihan Alay sa Sambayanan (BALSA).

Sagip-Tulong sa Pilipinas (STP) Relief Fund Campaign – Damayan Migrants Association and their STP drive has an FAQ link here.  To donate, go to their online donation page here and click on the PayPal button.  You can also follow them on Facebook for updates.

Towards collective healing,

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking of healing, big news at Alcantara Acupuncture & Healing Arts!

As of yesterday, I am now officially a White Light Reiki Master Teacher.  Woohoo, bring out the band, what does that even mean, you say?  That means that not only can I offer you quality, delicious Reiki Master level healing sessions, but I can also teach you how to channel universal energy/light for your greatest good, and for the greatest good of those you perform this energy work on!  Interested?  Ask me about it!

 

 

 

 

Copyright © 2013 by Alcantara Acupuncture & Healing Arts. All rights reserved. You may quote, copy, translate and link to this article, in its entirety, on free, non-donation based websites only, as long as you include the author name and a working link back to this website. All other uses are strictly prohibited.

All information on this website is my own opinion, and not to be taken as medical advice. Reliance on any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk. Please refer to your medical practitioner before making any medical decisions.