Thankful Thursday + Public Service

Source

After almost a week of fear for another Habagat 2012 or Ondoy 2009, I am thankful that the sun has shown its face in the Metro although it would still be a bit rainy. Indeed flood is the new in, as climate change advocates would tell. And that we should brace and prepare ourselves for more. The pregnant I am can't help but worry about my parents and siblings but I was reminded by this post here.

Marikina River swelled to 19 meters and alert level 4 was raised which means residents near the river should force evacuate last Tuesday. Last year, Nanay recounted, 19 meters means knee-deep flood water entering our bungalow type house in Provident Village. Yes I grew up in this infamous village which submerged to Ondoy on 26 September 2009 and no we are not one of the rich ones who lived there and left their homes after Ondoy. We are part of the working class which do not have other options but adjust to this thing called climate change. And we are thankful with the efforts of the local government in cleaning the drainage and water ways, my parents, siblings and cousins slept in our house that night without worrying much.

Though my folks are okay, thousands of families who have been affected by typhoon Maring and Habagat still remains in evacuation centers not only in Marikina but also in other cities in the Metro, Region III and Region IV. As of 1:52 pm today, Maring's damages is estimated to have reached PhP 79 million pesos, as reported by Rappler.Com here. This is aside from lives taken by floods and the unstoppable rain.

This week, I am thankful for government employees who are part of the disaster and response team who have continuously braved the weather and set aside their own circumstances, for volunteers who have helped in the relief operations, for donors who have sincerely given what they can, for those who have prayed for sunshine and those who have hoped for a better day. As of now, several thousand still needs help and here are some means to donate, volunteer and brighten one's day:

ATENEO DE MANILA's DReamTEAM:

Vice-President for Social Development, Atty. Jaime Hofilena, convened members of  the Ateneo de Manila DReaM Team, composed of units of the Grade School, High School, Loyola Schools, and Professional Schools, in partnership with the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan.  The Ateneo DReaM Team is appealing for donations in cash and in kind on behalf of the victims affected by tropical storm Maring. For more details please visit their site here.

INFORELIEF:

InfoRelief by Inquirer

MOMSHARE by www.mommymundo.com:

Momshare will be accepting donations at the Mommy Mundo office starting August 22 until August 24. Address is the 2F Fun Ranch, Ortigas Ave., Pasig beside Tiendesitas.Food items (canned goods, biscuits, instant noodles), bottled water, clothing for adults, kids and babies, slippers and footwear, blankets, and toiletries will be accepted as well as cash pledges. Acceptance of donations will end by August 24, Saturday 6pm as distribution will be made to the residents along the Tullahan river and Cavite areas by Sunday onwards. For any inquiries, please text 09189300313 or email momshare@mommymundo.com

MOMS for MOMS:

Moms for Moms Facebook Page

NuffnangPH:

NuffnangPH will be accepting donations until 30 August (Friday) at their office, from 9AM-6PM only. Donations will be give to the Philippine Red Cross.

Here are other means on how to be of help to Maring Victims: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/how-to-help--maring--victims-025829828.html

So ayan, puede pang humabol ang inyong mga baru-baruan. You can also drop by siguro sa mga nearest evacuation areas when you are able. And let's continue to pray for our country, especially those who have been affected by the typhoon Maring and for those in power who have evolved into greedy monsters, may their souls remain in chaos. Chos. Positive thoughts for our beloved nation.