It was a week before Christmas Eve but instead of excitement and joy, anxiety and silence filled the air as everyone was on high alert from the news of a coming super typhoon. Life had been a difficult journey for Filipino families for the past 2 years and another natural disaster was a burden too much to bear.
Odette, the strongest storm to hit 2021 brought about torrential rains, violent winds, landslides, and storm surges. Over 400 fatalities, thousands left homeless, and an estimated 7.8 million Filipinos were greatly affected. In the southern part of Negros Occidental, typhoon Odette destroyed homes, properties, crops and livelihoods at a time when people were already facing the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
SIFI distributed relief goods, which included rice, sardines and noodles to 325 households in the fishing communities of Sitio Binawi, Brgy. Bacuyangan, Brgy. Poblacion I, and Brgy. Talacagay, in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental last December 21-23, 2021. This is part of the relief, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts to areas ravaged by Typhoon Odette.
Through the provision of GI sheets, nails, and wood for roof repair, more than 60 households whose homes were partially damaged in Barangays Nauhang, 4 and Gil Montilla in Sipalay City and Kabankalan City were also attended to with the assistance and collaboration of NVC Foundation, the Campos Family, SP Jonathan Eran, SIFI Board Member Joey Ledesma, and local barangay officials.
Responding to the immediate needs of Odette-ravaged communities, the Peace and Equity Foundation, supported by local and national organizations, have extended a total of Php 3.5 million worth of food packs and housing materials to more than 6,800 households in eight provinces affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.
Meanwhile, instead of indulging themselves with Christmas gifts and spending their money for the usual manito – manita tradition, the officers and employees of Sugar Industry Foundation, Inc. opted to share their blessings to 25 indigent families living in the coastal areas of Brgy. Zone 15, Talisay City which were also affected by typhoon Odette.
The SIFI staff donated gift packs of rice, vegetables and bread from SIFI – assisted livelihood ARB organizations, spaghetti packs, and used clothing.
