Three days after Christmas and exactly 11 days after Super Typhoon Odette (TS Rai) made landfall and hit CARAGA Region in the Philippines, AMPING CARAGA brought Caravan of Hope to TS Odette survivors in Surigao City and the Municipality of San Francisco in Surigao del Norte.

Considering the devastation brought about by Super Typhoon Odette and government’s limitations, we knew that help was needed. Data gathered by our members, PHILDHRRA and AADC, from their conduct of rapid damage and needs assessment supported by CARE Philippines, showed the impact of the super typhoon in CARAGA Region. Major facilities were severely affected: roads were mostly unpassable, electricity was cut off, communication lines were lost, and water connections were broken.

We also had to respond to calls for support from our own members in CARAGA, especially SEDMFI which is a member of AMPING CARAGA. We acknowledge that in order for us to be able to respond effectively and efficiently in the region, we must first assist our members.

PHILDHRRA-Mindanao and Mahintana Foundation were quick to respond to SEDMFI’s needs. They provided generator sets and drinking water. In coordination among AMPING CARAGA group members, resources were mobilized, relief goods were packed, volunteers quickly assembled, and logistical arrangements were made.

On December 28, 2021, three days after Christmas and exactly 11 days after Super Typhoon Odette made landfall in CARAGA, 1,000 families in San Francisco, Surigao del Norte received food packs containing:

  • 5 kg rice
  • 1/2 kg mongo
  • 1 pack milk
  • 1 dozen coffee
  • 1 kg brown sugar
  • 1 kg iodized salt
  • 200 ml soy sauce
  • 200 ml vinegar
  • 6 pcs canned tuna
  • 1 gallon jerry can (with or without drinking water)

They also received a pack of health kit containing:

  • 10 face masks
  • 1 pad Vitamin C
  • 30 ml alcohol

In Surigao City, SEDMFI received 2 generator sets which enabled them to use their computers and serve their members who need financial assistance. In behalf of their members, they also received bottles of drinking water, preloved clothings, and pineapple products.

One hundred forty relief goods from CCF were also distributed in Surigao City. This included 5 kilos of rice, canned goods, coffee, noodles, mongo, dried fish, and bottled water.

Indeed, as Caravan of Hope organizers often say, “our help is our gift!”

The following organizations made this mission possible:

  • Agri-Aqua Development Coalition (AADC)
  • Dole Philippines
  • Kasilak Development Foundation, Inc. (KDFI)
  • Mahintana Foundation
  • Mindanao Coalition of Development NGO Networks (MINCODE)
  • Philippine Partnerships for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas – Mindanao (PHILDHRRA)
  • Surigao Economic Development Microfinance Institution (SEDMFI)
  • Sibog Katawhan Alang sa Paglambo (SIKAP)
  • Care Philippines
  • Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF)
  • Dole Community Multipurpose Cooperative
  • German Doctors
  • KPS SEED Microfinance Inc.
  • Municipal Cooperative Development Council – Polomolok, South Cotabato
  • RD Foundation
  • Tibud sa Katibawasan Multipurpose Cooperative

We are grateful for everyone’s contributions which enabled us to successfully reach those in need. Daghang salamat ug Amping kanunay!