Philippines, Tacloban to Dulag - Part 1

With many requests from people, I decided to write a bit about my experience in the Philippines... I came back in February and I just could not submerge myself in writing my experience because I also had to move forward and consolidate my own experience.

After hearing about the typhoon, I committed myself to volunteering. I have always wanted to give back to the community. With a leap of faith, I left to the Philippines, arrived in Manila and met a friend that hooked me up with a clinic located in Dulag, an hour of drive from Tacloban where typhoon Yolanda hit back in November 2013.

On google maps it says 33 mins of drive but when I was there, it was more an hour because of the debris

Transit from Manila to Tacloban

I thought going in January 2014, things would be better because I haven’t heard anything in the media. I would called it wishful thinking because when I landed in Tacloban, I felt like I was in a war zone – debris everywhere, building destroyed, tents and stagnant water in puddles. The worst is the smell, a mix of decay and burning odor of the debris that gave me a headache and constant nauseousness. This is my first encounter in a disaster zone and I felt overwhelmed. Tano was the ambulance driver that came to pick us up from the destroyed, still running, Tacloban's airport.

Arrived in Tacloban, waiting for our luggages

driving to Dulag and this was the view km after km

Some people started building with coconut wood

more debris

tents, stagnant water and debris

My main commitment was at the free birthing clinic which is located at the elementary school of Dulag where the kids would come visit us and asked for balls. I miss those kids so much – they were so resilient, smiled and lived their life to the fullest. I still remember playing volleyball and dodgeball with them.

Missing these kids so much

This is it for now! I will be back with part 2. I am kindly asking you to donate to the following organizations, they are still giving their everything to the Philippines. If you have already donated, I thank you, but if not, just click below plzzzzzzz!
Bumi Sehat
Compassionate Reach International
Elijah House
Mercy In Action