San Juan, Jan 24, 2020 (Issuewire.com) - In the aftermath of volcanic earthquakes and the explosive eruption of Taal Volcano, a volunteer program organized by HWPL, 'D.R.O.P (Disaster Relief Operation Program)' has been providing aid to the Taal Evacuees in Dasmariñas, Cavite since January 14th.
Taal Volcano has left approximately 459,000 evacuees with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. In order to provide them comfort and assistance, 350 volunteers organized programs such as singing, dancing performances, games, free face painting, balloon arts, free haircuts and massage. The medical team also conducted general check-up such as blood pressure monitoring, psychological test, and provided medicine. Also, relief goods were distributed.
On January 19th, 418 people, most of whom are children, from the evacuation centers in Barangays Isidro Labrador II, San Simon and San Agustin, joined the event and shared their struggle to overcome the post-traumatic stress.
Harold Recio, the Head Coordinator of HWPL Philippine branch, said that the most fulfilling part of the activity is to see the well-known resilience of the Filipinos amidst the traumatic calamity, to encourage them to be optimistic and to help them retain peace in their minds and hearts "for a hope of a new beginning." HWPL
Marie, one of the evacuees shared her sentiment, "I'm very thankful for all the help we are receiving. Our lives were just normal an hour ago then the volcano erupted. I was very nervous when we were called out to evacuate, but then tons of help are pouring out from everywhere. I'm also glad that there are programs planned out for the kids because even for just a minute they would at least forget the situation they are in."
As Vice Mayor Rex Mangubat shares, the greatest challenge in the situation is that unlike during typhoons wherein one can rebuild after a day or two, a volcano is unpredictable.
"That's why nobody can move 'cause we don't know where should we go over," he says.
He then expresses his gratitude to all who voluntarily participated. He says he treats donations as "gifts" because they were unexpected and were given without expecting anything in return.
Due to the instability of the volcano, the evacuation centers continue to operate up to this day to house the evacuees and ensure safety. Hence, all donations and other forms of help are highly welcomed and encouraged to supply the day-to-day needs of the victims.
Here is the highlight video of the said activity:
https://youtu.be/1zjxvkXdgdA
HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) is an international peace NGO, affiliated with the UN ECOSOC. HWPL endorses peace education over 220 educational institutions globally and establishes partnership with government agencies such as the Ministry of Education. With the close partnership, it is providing the peace education curriculums to schools and further expanding peace activities in state and local universities in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Iraq, and Guatemala.
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