How to Compensate for Donor Fatigue in Pepeng Relief Efforts
The aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy ("Ketsana") saw an extraordinary demonstration of the charitable spirit of Pinoys around the world. Few hesitated to dole out donations in cash or kind, many others sacrificed time off their school or professional lives to volunteer in relief centers. The sort of exhibition that evokes genuine pride in what we can accomplish as a society. However, just as life was seemingly settling back to normal, the dire news started to trickle down from Northern Luzon. Typhoon Pepeng ("Parma"), which had frazzled Metro Manila into a state of mild panic last October 2 before veering north, had apparently left a toll more severe and comprehensive than Ondoy. Even more homes

Yung mga nag-panic buying, baka pwede namang i-donate yung sobra-sobrang pinamili sa mas nangangaila

LLDA Calls for Immediate Relocation of Residents Near Laguna de Bay
GMA News: Laguna Lake Development Authority head Edgar Manda calls for immediate relocation of residents near Laguna de Bay due to elevated water levels, nearing a 90-year

The Urgent Need for a List of Evacuees
Two days after Ondoy ("Ketsana") struck us, and many many Filipinos remain worried about loved ones & friends in affected areas who have yet to surface or make contact. The radio & TV stations, the Facebook updates and the Twitter feeds are full of requests for news about this individual or that family. There are several reasons for the loss of contact. The popular cellphone service providers have had spotty reception because of flood damage to their reception. Many of the rescued individuals have lost their own cellphones and are now in evacuation centers where they are unable to make known their safety. The NDCC is in charge of coordinating rescue & safety operations in t

New Storm/Flood Warning for This Week in the Philippines
It is reported that 2 more tropical depressions are feared to hit the Philippines this week. Via Facebook, I came across this Note written by Inday Espina-Varona, relaying a message from Yvette Lee. Due to the urgency of the warning, I'm reposting the Note in its entirety (with apologies) so that the proper caution and preparation can be had by as many people as possible.Yvette Lee, a veteran diver, and the friend I rely on for weather forecasts, has never been wrong yet about which way the wind blows (or how much rain will fall). Many times, she has told me to disregard Pag-