By: LOVE JOYCE M. PASAGUI
In line with the nearing first anniversary of the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda, volunteers gathered for exchange of inspirations and experiences at the Skydome in SM North Edsa last Nov. 5.
“A Gathering of Angels—First Disaster Volunteer Summit” was graced by sharing of volunteering experiences from the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, which left Visayas with almost 6,000 deaths.
According to Junep Ocampo of Oplan Hatid, the gathering served not merely as a reunion, but also an avenue to spread volunteerism.
In line with the nearing first anniversary of the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda, volunteers gathered for exchange of inspirations and experiences at the Skydome in SM North Edsa last Nov. 5.
“A Gathering of Angels—First Disaster Volunteer Summit” was graced by sharing of volunteering experiences from the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, which left Visayas with almost 6,000 deaths.
According to Junep Ocampo of Oplan Hatid, the gathering served not merely as a reunion, but also an avenue to spread volunteerism.
“Hopefully, the Filipinos would be able to say ‘Pag lumindol o bumagyo, sagot kita,’” Ocampo said.
Ocampo described volunteers as “angels,” recalling an overheard comment from a survivor.
“Sabi noong isang survivor, ‘Hulog kayo ng langit. Pinadala kayo ng Diyos,’” Ocampo said.
The one-day summit was organized by the International Association of Volunteer Efforts and Oplan Hatid, a group composed of volunteers who drove Yolanda victims to waiting family members across Luzon.
The summit highlighted sharing of testimonies and volunteering experiences from Eric Talens of University of the Philippines- Pahinungod, Alfredo Li from the Tzu Chi Foundation, James Deakin of Oplan Hatid, and Mae Paner, also known as Juana Change, of Project Yakap.
Li recounted how the Tzu Chi Foundation gave hope and helped the people of Tacloban, Ormoc and other cities in Leyte.
Paner recalled the story of how she offered her home to 25 people who were affected by the typhoon. She added that the greatest flood brought out the greatest in her.
The summit also included presentations and lectures on how to be prepared for future natural calamities.
Ocampo described volunteers as “angels,” recalling an overheard comment from a survivor.
“Sabi noong isang survivor, ‘Hulog kayo ng langit. Pinadala kayo ng Diyos,’” Ocampo said.
The one-day summit was organized by the International Association of Volunteer Efforts and Oplan Hatid, a group composed of volunteers who drove Yolanda victims to waiting family members across Luzon.
The summit highlighted sharing of testimonies and volunteering experiences from Eric Talens of University of the Philippines- Pahinungod, Alfredo Li from the Tzu Chi Foundation, James Deakin of Oplan Hatid, and Mae Paner, also known as Juana Change, of Project Yakap.
Li recounted how the Tzu Chi Foundation gave hope and helped the people of Tacloban, Ormoc and other cities in Leyte.
Paner recalled the story of how she offered her home to 25 people who were affected by the typhoon. She added that the greatest flood brought out the greatest in her.
The summit also included presentations and lectures on how to be prepared for future natural calamities.