On July 22, 2024, Typhoon Carina landed in the Philippines and left significant damage in the community. In response to the situation, Humanist Alliance Philippines International (HAPI) quickly organized and stepped in to support the surrounding communities. Typhoon Carina brought heavy rains and strong winds, resulting in severe flooding and food scarcity, forcing many residents to evacuate their homes. Due to this information, HAPI-Bulacan mobilized to support over 153 families by providing relief goods to different areas of the community.
The beneficiaries, primarily HAPI members, lived in areas on top of water irrigation systems and low-lying regions, making them highly vulnerable to the effects of the typhoon and its aftermath. Due to the continuous heavy rainfalls, the authorities of the province decided to release water from the Angat Dam, which significantly worsened the situation for residents in these already at-risk areas. The combination of released dam water and overwhelmed drainage systems led to severe flooding, with water levels rising to the waist, further affecting the safety of those affected. Additionally, most of the communities in these low-lying areas are isolated in a remote area, making efforts to evacuate and deliver relief supplies hard. Despite these challenges, HAPI continued to assist for several weeks, while the community school was utilized as an evacuation center for the displaced families who were able to evacuate.
To support the relief operations for the affected families, HAPI CFO Mutya Valenzuela operated a fundraising campaign. Thanks to the generosity of private donors, HAPI members, and partner organizations, the chapter successfully raised enough funds to assist 153 families. Each family received essential relief items, including 5 kgs of rice, 4 cans of sardines, 2 bread crackers, 4 packs of coffee, and 2 packs of instant noodles.
Additionally, the chapter organized a feeding program for the 15 families in the evacuation center, providing them with rice meals with siomai, eggs, and rice. The contributions from this relief operation were crucial in allowing the chapter to deliver relief supplies, including food packs and other necessities to those severely affected by the typhoon.
Typhoon Carina had a severe impact on the community, disrupting daily life, school operations, and the livelihoods of many residents. The relentless heavy rains and severe flooding caused extensive damage to homes and left many families struggling to recover. During such trying times, it becomes crucial for community members to step up and offer support. Whether through volunteering, donating, or providing emotional support, each individual can play a vital role in helping the community rebuild and recover from the disaster.
One resident expressed their gratitude, saying, “Thank you, HAPI, and all the donors, for the relief goods we received during Typhoon Carina. Your support made a huge difference during such a difficult time. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and assistance.
The organization, united in its mission to provide help, extends its gratitude to everyone who contributed to this cause. Special thanks to the esteemed HAPI founder herself, Ms. Marissa Torres Langseth, Humanists International, and private donors; your kindness brought essential comfort to the community of HAPI-Bulacan. Your contribution led to a sense of hope that they are not alone in their struggles in trying times.
