I know many Rotarians and friends in Malaysia/Spore/Brunei wants to help out in the Philippines disaster relief mission. Let me tell you the conditions on the ground and requirement from my assessment. The place for action is in Tacloban and Ormoc on Leyte Island — 1 hour + – air time from Manila or Cebu city. Ferry from Cebu city is 2.5 hours to Ormoc. Ormoc to Tacloban is 3-4 hr by road. There is no electricity in either cities; no hotels in Tacloban; prepare to sleep in tents or carry your own sleeping bag. Mosquitoes plus, plus; dengue is a major health problem here; bring repellents/sprays. Hotel in Ormoc gives a special discount for Rotarians at 1250 PHP per night — expect no towel or room service, no WIFI. In other words, you have to rough it out — not easy.
We need volunteers to rebuild schools: those with carpentry skills, ability to paint, repair stools, chairs and tables, and shelves will be helpful. Of course, cash is KING to use money to buy building tools. Need chain saws to cut down fallen trees. Please let me know if you satisfy the above conditions and I will organise a trip. Thanks.
Regards
PP Dr Ho
loonshin@yahoo.com