My sister and I were watching the news one afternoon about the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol last October 15, 2013. We went there early 2013 with our family, so the trip was still quite fresh from our memory. The situation in the area was worsened after Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda hit the Philippines and it was devastating to see the homes and the heritage sites in a state of complete destruction. She told me about her plans to volunteer and I said I wanted to join. I thought at first that it was going to be like one of those relief goods packing activities that you could do on a weekend, but she said she actually wanted to go to Bohol to help the victims onsite. I was skeptical.
My family at the Blood Compact Heritage Site early in 2013
"As in pupunta ka dun mag-isa?"
"Oo, I found this volunteer program online. Kailangan mo lang ng pamasahe papunta dun, then they'll take care of your lodging space."
"Cool. Sama ako."
"Game. Mag file ka na ng vacation leave."
And that was that. (Spell kaladkarin!)
After clearing my schedule at work (my senior manager and onshore counterparts were also very supportive), I then decided to sign up with Project Bohol via All Hands.org, a non-profit organization that aims to provide immediate and sustainable response and support to communities that were hit by calamities and natural disasters. To date, they have successfully funded and organized 33+ Projects from all over the world including the tsunami in Thailand and Japan, hurricanes in the US and Haiti and even Typhoon Sendong here in the Philippines.
Image from All Hands Volunteer Information deck
Soon after our registration, we received confirmation from the coordinators. They provided us with a couple of documents to read about what to expect during our volunteer time, what to bring and how to get there. Receiving that email, I felt excited and somehow worried because I don't know how I'd fare as an onsite volunteer. The work seemed very physical since the Project mission was to rebuild homes in the earthquake stricken area of Antequera, Maribojoc. It's the first time I'll be doing this kind of work, and despite my apprehensions, I still have a good feeling that this will be something wonderful. We booked our tickets, borrowed a tent from a friend, prepared our things (e.g. work clothes, gloves, dust masks and headlamps) and even got anti-tetanus shots (thanks Mom!).
Tomorrow, my sister and I will be leaving for Bohol to start our week long volunteer work and I'm excited to tell you about it when I return next Sunday. I am quite certain this will be a life changing experience and hopefully this will just be the first of many. Our country is hit by so many calamities every year, and I think it's about time we used not only our pockets (isn't it the most convenient?), but our hands to help as well.
If you're interested to volunteer, you can sign up at the Project Bohol page.
No time for volunteer work? Make a donation instead. This will ensure that the communities are given the support they need and volunteers are also provided with the proper tools and assistance while onsite.
Check out other volunteers' experiences here.
