By Robert B. Roque, Jr.
As of this writing, the number of lives taken by Typhoon “Odette” is near to breaching the 170 mark. In the recent COP26 Summit in Glasgow, scientists reiterated that cyclones are becoming more powerful and damaging as Earth temperatures have gone warmer because of human-driven climate change.
The devastation wrought by last week’s pummeling of Odette across the archipelago proved the Philippines is high ranking among the world’s most vulnerable nations to the impacts of climate change. Not only are we left counting bodies, but staring at the uncountable losses of wiped-out fields ready for harvest, empty lots where homes and residences stood, the dark, and long, long time for wrecked infrastructure to be whole again. Throughout eight regions, nearly 300,000 people have been displaced.
And in days, we expect our country’s most joyous occasion of the year to come – Christmas!
As Firing Line appeals for readers to help uplift the sorry situation of our kababayan along Odette’s path of destruction, let me lend this space to trusted organizations that would make sure your donations reach all those lost, last and listless.
Second Chances, with the Philippine Coast Guard, accepts tents, construction materials – plywood, hammer, nails, knobs, generator sets, rechargeable or solar lights, bottled water by the gallon, food packs, rice, ready-to-consume food, blankets, hygiene kits, toiletries, mosquito nets, slippers/footwear, medicines/vitamins, and toys for kids. The drop-off is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and tomorrow and until noon of Dec. 23 at 81 King Henry St., Kingspoint Subdivision, Bagbag, Novaliches, Quezon City. For those sending it via Grab, contact Nerissa at 09209723466; PIN: Lexaron Marketing.
Robredo People’s Council and Tanging Yaman Foundation need volunteers to repack relief goods and accept donations at the LeniKiko2022 Volunteer Center at 284 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City (entrance at 33 Esteban Abada St. For cash donations, course it through Tanging Yaman Foundation, Metrobank: 448-7-44801314-2 (Tañong Marikina Branch); BPI: 9601-0002-42 (Loyola Heights Branch). Send your transaction/deposit slip to tangingyaman777@gmail.com.
The Tulong Manileno Bayanihan Drive accepts relief donations at 813-A P. Noval St. corner S.H. Loyola St., Sampaloc, Manila with Marissa David as point person with contact Nos. 0969-4596261, 0969-4596262, and 0927-7971723. Cash donations will be accepted by Kaagapay ng Manileño Foundation Inc. through PNB Account Number: 167770003504; Account Name: Kaagapay ng Manileño Foundation Inc.
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SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email firingline@ymail.com or tweet @Side_View. Read current and past issues of this column at https://www.thephilbiznews.com
