October 1, 2009

Hope

THEME DAY: CONTRAST • First of all, I would like to thank everyone who came by these past few days to ask about my family's safety. Seeing all those messages of concern was truly heartwarming. Secondly, I apologize for not visiting much this week, but I think most of you know and understand why. Those of us who were lucky enough to have escaped the wrath of tropical storm Ondoy (Ketsana) are trying to help its hundreds of thousands of victims in our own little way, whether by donating food and clothes, volunteering time and physical labor, or spreading useful information. You have probably seen many images of Ondoy's devastation already, so as a contrast to those, I offer you images of a relief operations center located in the Ateneo de Manila University. It is only one of many around Metro Manila and though not the biggest, "Ateneo Task Force Ondoy" is probably one of the most organized and orderly. Traffic marshals guide vehicles bearing donations inside the courts where volunteers unload, sort and pack them into plastic bags.

sorting area for Ondoy relief operations center

More volunteers form human chains to load the bags into trucks, vans and SUVs, which are also volunteered by their owners. Between the Philippine Jesuits' social apostolates and the university's social involvement organizations, areas that need relief goods are readily identified and contact persons in the area help ensure that distribution is orderly.

loading area for Ondoy relief operations center

While immediate relief assistance (food, water, clothes) continues, Ateneo Task Force Ondoy has begun the next two phases of its operations: health and clean-up. Recovery will be slow and this will be a sad Christmas for many, but as long as there are people who are willing to help and people who can make sure that attention will not waver several months down the road, our people will recover.


The first of the month is always Theme Day for City Daily Photo bloggers around the world. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

42 comments:

Leif Hagen said...

Many hands make light work! Blessings to you and yours, Hilda!

Buck said...

Amen for recovery! We're pulling for all of you there.

Don and Krise said...

We have you and everyone affected in our thoughts daily Hilda. What a wonderful post and very fitting for Theme Day. Take care.

Jilly said...

The devastation and loss of life has been appalling and I so feel for the people of Manilla. Your photographs illustrate so well how everyone is getting stuck in to help as much as possible. Take care, dear Hilda. So glad you are safe.

Philip G. said...

I'm a Filipino international student at University of Hawaii and we're also doing a relief drive to help those who are in need.

I know that with God's help, everything will be back to normal.

-phil

AntiguaDailyPhoto.Com said...

@Hilda, thanks for the news updates and the photos. I hope for prompt recovery.

We feel for you on the other side of the planet.

Layrayski said...

Good luck Hilda. (I'll be posting this at facebook.)

Olivier said...

c'est vraiment dur, tes photos nous montrent la réalité, bonne chance a tous.

cieldequimper said...

I'm sorry Hilda I haven't had much time to comment lately, I was hearing the news and thought of you too.

Dina said...

People-power, the best! God bless the helpers of the world.
I love your closing note of hope and courage, dear Hilda.

Eki said...

I'm glad to see that so many organized hands are working to help their fellow countrymen and women who are in need. I hope recovery will be speedy for those affected.

Gunn said...

I guess there will be lots of newspapers, including here in Norway, who will be interested in your photos and comments..... Will you be interested??

lunarossa said...

Sending you all in Manila my blessings and my prayers. Together you will make it! All the best. A.

hadv said...

Good luck Hilda!

Halcyon said...

It's good to hear that so many are helping out. Here's to a speedy recovery for the city and all of those affected.

Tussy said...

Good Luck to you too, here in Bangkok we got rain all day long as well.

James said...

I've been away from the computer for a couple of days.
It's so nice to see some many people together helping others.
I wish you the best and may God bless you all.

Copenhagen said...

*hugs* Taiwan recently encountered a major typhoon as well...my heart goes to all the victims of the flood. It's so heartbreaking and painful to watch your whole life being washed away.

Daily Chicago Photo said...

Good luck to you!

Unknown said...

Great post, Hilda! Solidarity is the only way.

Petrea Burchard said...

Many thanks for this hopeful post. I'm thinking of you and those around you, Hilda.

Ursel said...

All the best for you, Hilda and everyone involved in this, either by helping or being a victim of it!

Ken Mac said...

God bless you and yours Hilda

Mo said...

Glad that you and your family are all ok. It is a terrible time in the region. I have friends in Samoa who are hit badly by the earthquake.

marley said...

An inspiring post for the theme Hilda.

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

This organization has proven that you don't need to be large to make an impact. Great shots, Hilda.

Frank said...

Such a great outpouring of genuine concern for all those in need. DO take care of youtself.

We continue to think and pray for you every day

Chin said...

Good hope and Good luck.
I really like this kind of photo (people-power)
It' make me feel "unity of your nation".

FA said...

Prayers continue. I'm glad that you're safe.

George said...

It's wonderful to see what the university is doing to help out. You all continue to be in our prayers.

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

the contrast of life. great photos. our thoughts are with you

VP said...

Great post, impressive images, all the best for you and your family.

lunarossa said...

I've just heard in the news that the Philippines are expecting another bad storm. I really hope it won't increase the damage and the casualties. Sending prayers towards you all. Ciao. A.

Lois said...

It's amazing to see people coming together like this! Bless you Hilda!

Cezar and Léia said...

Wonderful work dear Hilda, so beautiful to help who needs our hands, very impressive!
God bless you
Léia

valeria said...

What happened is terrible. I am glad you and your family are well. Great post. Ciao

Lowell said...

It's wonderful to see how people pitch in to help those whose lives have been mitigated by disaster...that's living hope!

And yes, your people will recover...

Thanks for sharing these photos.

Dina said...

A short telling of how the water was rising and the group kept on praying in song, by a Taize brother who is in Manila ahead of your big Pilgrimage of Trust there in February. Kind of a Noah's ark scene.
http://www.taize.fr/en_article9073.html

Lisa Wilson said...

It's great to here that so much is being done to help! The devestation on the news is terrifying.

escape said...

so great to see people helping out. more heroes coming in this generation.

still not yet sure if ill be able to attend the awards... but still hopeful to go there.

tapirgal said...

Thank you for the photos of the help operations. I've been thinking of you.

goodnewseverybodycom said...

Salamat (thank you) for sharing the continued "needed" relief efforts after the typhoon. I too have posted articles and videos to show the public the relief is still needed..God bless the Philippines!