IsraAID counts on CebuPac to rebuild lives after Yolanda

MANILA, Philippines - After typhoon Yolanda battered Visayas in 2013, affecting about 11 million Filipinos, an outpouring of kindness and love from all over the world soon overshadowed the destruction and desolation.

Among those who sent immediate assistance was IsraAID, a non-profit, non-governmental organization, which deployed a team of medical professionals, post-trauma experts and specialists, to help rebuild Ormoc City, one of the hardest hit areas. Aside from providing medical aid and constructing homes, schools and health centers, IsraAID offered mental health and psychosocial services to help survivors cope with post-traumatic stress.

“We needed to help survivors address their feelings so they can cope with their situation better,” said Adva Vilchinski, IsraAID country director for the Philippines.

Painting, writing, movement, drama, music and other forms of expressive arts allowed participants to explore their feelings and experiences, consciously and unconsciously.

She added that individuals that have been exposed to a traumatic event would have emotional scars for the rest of their lives. “We cannot erase these scars or make survivors forget about what they’ve been through; our goal is to help them understand and cope with their inner turmoil so they can continue to live their lives,” she said.

IsraAID is now exploring more options to expand its projects and provide long-term support in the Philippines.

“There is still a lot of work to be done and we can use all the help we can get. We’re fortunate to have the support of private companies such as Cebu Pacific,” said Adva. “Their assistance was very crucial for us, allowing us to cut the airfare costs of our team. This allowed us to reach more people in need.” 

Apart from IsraAID, Cebu Pacific also supports the projects of GMA Kapuso Foundation, including Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan (an educational initiative), Give-A-Gift during Christmas, medical missions, and relief operations in times of natural calamities. It has also partnered with WWF Philippines for the ‘Bright Skies for EveryJuan’ campaign, which supports climate adaptation programs in coastal communities.