VSO Bahaginan’s rescue efforts in Mindanao
03/01/2012 14:37:00
VSO Bahaginan is working directly with the Mindanao Emergency Response Network through the Ranaw Disaster Response and Rehabilitation Center to provide relief to thousands affected by Typhoon Washi. VSO Bahaginan is coordinating the distribution and purchase of relief goods and is planning medium and long-term interventions.
Based on a recent assessment by Ranaw Disaster Response and Rehabilitation Center, medicines and ready-made food are urgent necessities. These include:
food such as rice, drinking water, canned goods, milk, instant meals and ready-made snacks
non-food such as blankets, mosquito nets, slippers, sleeping mats, clothing for children, clothing for adults and new under-garments
toiletries such as bath and laundry soaps, toothpaste, toothbrush, sanitary napkins and nappies for children
kitchenware such as cooking pots, ladles, cups, drinking glass, eating utensils, water containers, pails and dippers
first aid such as rubbing alcohol, cotton, betadine, bandage, plaster, gauze bandage and basic medicines
The Department of Health has recently declared an outbreak of leptospirosis in Cagayan de Oro. About 200 people are confined in hospitals with symptoms of the disease. In Iligan, hospitals and medical centers are in dire need of tetanus toxoid and other medicines.
Relief operations are likely to continue over the next three months as families have absolutely no means to start anew. VSO Bahaginan will continue to raise funds for medium and long-term interventions.
Typhoon Washi struck from 16-18 December devastating the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro. A total of 1,200 are known to have died in the floods.
Donate to our appeal
You can make a donation to VSO Bahaginan’s relief operations and our medium and long-term interventions, at www.justgiving.com/vso-flooding-philippines If you have a credit or debit card, you can donate any amount. When you use JustGiving, remember that you are donating in British Pounds.
Alternatively, if you are in the Philippines you can make a cash donation through VSO Bahaginan Foundation, BDO SA Acct 1630-0381-11 or BPI SA Acct 0273-3551-11.
Editor's notes
VSO is different from most organisations that fight poverty. We bring people together to share skills and knowledge. In doing so, we create lasting change.
Our volunteers work in whatever fields are necessary to address the forces that keep people in poverty – from education and health through helping people learn the skills to make a living. In doing so, they invest in local people, so the impact they have endures long after their placement ends.
For further media information, please contact:rachel.nalus@vsobahaginan.org
