PASAY, PHILIPPINES — Balik Pag Asa, or “return to hope” in Tagalog, is a fitting saying for the survivors in the aftermath of one of the deadliest typhoon cyclones on record. On November 8th, 2013, Typhoon Haiyan, also known locally as Typhoon Yolanda, slammed into six central Philippine Islands, barreling through the Eastern Visayas region just southeast of Manila, and leaving behind a trail of utter destruction. The province’s capital, Tacloban, along with its neighboring town, Palo, were hit the hardest by the typhoon with at least 6,000 casualties and approximately 1,800 missing.
Government workers and volunteers established temporary shelters that were set up on the grounds of Villamor Air Base Elementary School in Pasay city. For some families, going there was the ticket to their survival. Starving, exhausted, and desperate, hundreds pushed their way through the airport like a stampede. Geneve Aumentado, a church worker who hails from Palo, described waiting for 3 days at the chaotic airport with her mother, 1-year old son, and only a small amount water before flying to Pasay via the C-130 planes. They were among the first batch to be displaced. Others were not so fortunate.
Pasay Tent City, said to be able to accommodate around 80 to 100 families. Evacuees that did not have any family in other parts of the Philippines depended on provisions like food, water, and medicine from the Pasay City government as well as from various donors. Social workers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) along with private organizations provided the basic needs of the victims and supported their emotional needs as well through games and other camp activities. Speakers from local churches and other organizations also visited.
Relief goods poured in as Yolanda survivors welcomed Christmas. Dermclinic, a dermatology company with branches in the Philippines, sponsored a trip to Manila zoo on Christmas day for the remaining 31 families. Angel Pineda, an employee at Dermclinic, spearheaded the activity along with other volunteers from the clinic. Employees and even patients got involved in the Christmas trip and the gift exchanges. Some passers-by at the zoo also joined in the activity and purchased presents from gift shops for the children.
Despite the unwavering support from many volunteers, organizations, and private donors, both within the Philippines and overseas, emotions continue to run high. Pasay Tent City is scheduled to close on January 5th or 11th, and families may have to go back home. Though the future is uncertain for these families, they are still hopeful, and looking forward to returning. “Balik Pag Asa”, written on a large banner at the entrance to the tent city grounds continues to be a reminder that hope is more than just relief goods and donations. Rather, it is the courage and dedication to rebuild a life after losing your home, friends, loved ones, and in some cases, everything.