Over a week has passed since Super Typhoon Carina (International name: Gaemi) brought over 300mm of rainfall to the Philippines. Displaced families remain in shelters until their areas are safe and they can begin rebuilding.
The Department of Social Work and Development reports that 50,960 families, totaling 198,312 individuals, are currently sheltered in 1,075 evacuation centers across various affected regions. The worst-hit areas, including Metro Manila, Oriental Mindoro, Batangas, Cavite, Bataan, and Bulacan, have been declared under a state of calamity.
Private sector initiatives complement government relief efforts, conducting ongoing operations to support affected communities.
SEE: How You Can Help Victims of Super Typhoon Carina
Community Kitchens Initiative
Patreng Non leads the Community Pantry PH community, with over 350 Community Kitchens operating in 19 towns and provinces. They serve more than 20,000 families.
Angat Bayanihan Volunteer Network (ABVN)
The Angat Bayanihan Volunteer Network, part of the Angat Buhay Foundation and led by former Vice President Leni Robredo, has mobilized over 1,000 volunteers from 20 organizations. They are providing aid to nearly 65,000 people and have given medical assistance to over 730 patients.
Meralco’s Efforts
Despite the severe flooding from Typhoon Carina and the Southwest Monsoon, Meralco’s line crew and rescue team navigated floodwaters on E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave in Quezon City. Their mission was to restore power to Delos Santos Hospital, ensuring continuous electricity supply. Meralco Rescue also helped hospital patients and staff cross deep floodwaters to safety.
SM Group’s Operation Tulong
The SM Group has activated its Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) through the SM Foundation. Employee volunteers have distributed 23,258 Kalinga Packs in affected areas, including Metro Manila and other regions. SM Supermalls have partnered with the Philippine Red Cross to set up OPTE booths for public donations and provided various support services, including free parking, WiFi, and phone charging stations. OPTE has distributed over 800,000 Kalinga Packs nationwide.
University of the Philippines (UP) Community
The UP community responded swiftly to the typhoon’s impact, which caused significant damage across several campuses. The UP System, through the Padayon Public Service Office and the UP Resilience Institute, has set up a monitoring and reporting system to coordinate assistance and relief efforts. UP Diliman has seen extensive flooding, downed trees, and impassable streets. The Padayon Public Service Office, alongside other UP offices, is coordinating donations and distributing meals and hygiene kits. UP Manila and UP Los Baños are also providing aid, including food and medical supplies.
READ: UP NOAH Calls for Netizen Help: Take Flood Photos to Aid Disaster Risk Reduction
Manila Post Office Delivers Aid
Thousands of Marikina City residents affected by Typhoon Carina flocked to distribution centers to receive DSWD relief assistance, organized by Project Hope Relief Operations and the Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office). The Post Office provided logistics support for the humanitarian efforts led by House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Congressman Miro Quimbo, facilitating the swift delivery of 1,300 DSWD relief packs to Barangay Parang and 1,750 food packs to Barangays Tumana and Nangka. Chairman and Postmaster General Mike Planas highlighted the Post Office’s collaboration with local government units and stakeholders to aid communities hit by the cyclone. They deployed Mail Delivery Trucks and offered their mail operations hub as a temporary shelter for victims. Additionally, facilities across Mega Manila and other regions have been identified for use in relief operations, with vehicle assets on standby for further aid.
Good News Pilipinas commends the public and private sectors for their efforts to support those affected by Typhoon Carina. Join the effort by sharing this article, volunteering, or donating to organizations involved in relief operations. Together, we can help the Philippines recover and rebuild.
Be part of our vibrant Good News Pilipinas community, celebrating the best of the Philippines and our global Filipino heroes. As winners of the Gold Anvil Award and the Lasallian Scholarum Award, we invite you to engage with us and share your inspiring stories. For stories Making Every Filipino Proud, reach out to GoodNewsPilipinas.com via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn. LinkTree here. Let’s spread good news together!
