In July, the Philippines faced the wrath of supertyphoon Carina, leaving many Filipinos reeling from its impact. In response, Angat Buhay sprang into action, mobilizing a robust network of individual and organizational volunteers to deliver critical relief efforts. Through dedicated efforts, the organization has provided food, medical, and rescue assistance to rebuild the aftermath of the storm.
The non-government organization reiterates its gratitude to over 1,107 volunteers from 20 activated Angat Bayanihan Volunteer Network Organizations for their vital contributions to relief efforts following the supertyphoon. This significant rise in volunteer engagement underscores the enduring spirit of bayanihan, as communities unite to support those impacted by the disaster. Angat Buhay continues to play a key role in fostering resilience and solidarity throughout the recovery process.
In the spirit of transparency and accountability, Angat Buhay constantly published its latest figures on the status of donations and relief efforts. As of July 31, 2024, they have raised over P17 million in cash and in-kind donations, which provided relief for almost 64,000 individuals and families.
“These numbers are indicative of Angat Buhay’s ability to provide several opportunities for individual or group partners and donors to help. Moreover, the constant increase in volunteers shows how the spirit of bayanihan is alive and well,” says Raffy Magno, Executive Director of Angat Buhay.
Under the leadership of Chairperson Atty. Leni Robredo and Executive Director Magno, the organization continued to inspire hope and promote bayanihan through impactful volunteerism to support those in dire need. According to Magno, the organization takes pride in efficiently bridging individual volunteers to groups and partner networks for faster relief efforts and delivery of donations.
Angat Buhay activated volunteer organizations that worked with partners across key locations within Metro Manila and surrounding areas:
- Makati City: CSS Gives Philippines
- Malabon City: PPVR Malabon and Pusong Malabonian Movement
- Manila City: Manileño’s Youth Initiative
- Marikina City: Trining’s Kitchen x AIM-MDM24 x Gulay Drive PH
- Pandacan, Manila: Caritas Manila
- Parañaque City: TLR Parañaque
- Pasig City: PasigLaban Kabataan
- Quezon City: Urban Chick Maginhawa and Maginhawa Food Community
- Valenzuela City: Angat Kabataan Valenzuela
- Taytay, Rizal: Angat Taytay
- San Mateo, Rizal: Angat San Mateo
- General Trias, Cavite: Pilipinas Para sa Lahat – Cavite
- Bocaue, Bulacan: Angat Bocaue
- Pasay City: Pasay Bayanihan Inc.
- Taguig City: Taguig Volunteer Coalition
- Bulakan, Bulacan: U Lead Pilipinas, Inc.
- Rodriguez, Rizal: SPAS-PUP
- Caloocan City: Layag Caloocan
- Bataan: Angat Kabataan Damayan and Angat Buhay Orion
- Olongapo City: Resetlives
“We were able to capacitate most of these volunteer groups last year. They were newly formed organizations within their areas, formed through strategic collaborations with grassroots-led volunteer networks,” adds Magno, noting that Angat Buhay’s creative and effective response—or malikhain at mahusay na pagtugon—allowed them to maximize and amplify the impact of volunteer groups, even with Angat Buhay’s limited resources. This then translated to faster response times in terms of disaster risk reduction.
Angat Buhay: Looking Ahead Post-Carina
Angat Buhay goes beyond immediate Typhoon Carina relief through its long-term plans that are focused on building sustainable and resilient communities.“This year, we have reclassified our Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation advocacy pillar to Climate Action and Sustainability. This reclassification underscores one of our core values: a creative and effective response, or malikhain at mahusay na pagtugon. It reiterates our dedication to long-term solutions in addressing the increasing environmental challenges we face,” says Magno.
“Angat Buhay recognizes that effective disaster response requires more than just immediate relief; it necessitates a proactive approach to preparedness. This involves capacity-building and training initiatives aimed at empowering youth, community leaders, and local organizations with the skills and knowledge needed for effective disaster response and climate action,” he adds.
Through collaborations with volunteers and partners, Angat Buhay supports post-disaster recovery through its Angat Buhay Villages program, which provides housing for displaced communities. These efforts not only deliver immediate relief, but also lay the foundation for long-term recovery and sustainability, helping communities become resilient and prepared for future disasters.
Angat Buhay expresses deep gratitude to its partners and volunteers for their crucial role in Typhoon Carina relief efforts, making a significant impact on affected communities. Their dedication embodies the spirit of bayanihan, and as relief operations conclude, Angat Buhay continues to focus on recovery and rebuilding initiatives.
The non-government organization reiterates its gratitude to over 1,107 volunteers from 20 activated Angat Bayanihan Volunteer Network Organizations for their vital contributions to relief efforts following the supertyphoon. This significant rise in volunteer engagement underscores the enduring spirit of bayanihan, as communities unite to support those impacted by the disaster. Angat Buhay continues to play a key role in fostering resilience and solidarity throughout the recovery process.
