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Relief agency honors Philippine typhoon 'heroes'

Caritas recognizes 27 people who 'helped communities recover'
Relief agency honors Philippine typhoon 'heroes'

Survivors light candles in the province of Leyte on Nov. 8 to mark the third anniversary of Super Typhoon Haiyan that left at least 7,500 people dead and thousands of others homeless in the central Philippines. (Photo by Vincent Go)

 

Published: November 09, 2016 08:31 AM GMT
Updated: November 09, 2016 08:32 AM GMT

The social action arm of the Philippine Catholic bishops recognized on Nov. 8 the heroism of 27 survivors of super typhoon Haiyan that hit the central part of the country in November 2013.

"These people from different far-flung communities devastated by [Haiyan] are unsung heroes who helped the community to recover and build back better," said Father Edwin Gariguez, head of Caritas Philippines.

The "heroes" were given recognition for their contributions to the community during the height of the typhoon and during the course of relief and rehabilitation operations implemented by the Catholic Church.

"There are still many untold stories of heroism and resiliency of survivors," said Father Gariguez, adding that Haiyan taught people "lessons about faith, hope and charity.

Caritas Philippines, the social action arm of the bishops' conference, has been implementing a three-year rehabilitation program in nine provinces that were the worst hit by Haiyan.

To date, the group, with the help of Caritas Internationalis member organizations, has contributed at least US$94 million to help over 1.8 million people affected by the typhoon. 

"We really make sure that transparent and honest spending is being practiced in all levels through regular financial monitoring, evaluation, and audit from international auditing companies," said Father Gariguez.

Caritas Philippines' interventions cover relief and the recovery phases in affected areas, such as the provision of disaster-resilient shelters, water and sanitation facilities, livelihood assistance, and other infrastructures such as schools and evacuation centers.

Activities like hygiene promotion, community-managed disaster risk-reduction training workshops, community organizing, and ecosystem rehabilitation services are also being held.

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