Miss World visits typhoon-hit areas

CEBU, Philippines - She brought inspiration and hope to typhoon-stricken Visayas.

A day after arriving in the country from raising support for countrymen ravaged by super typhoon Yolanda, Miss World 2013 Megan Young yesterday visited typhoon-stricken areas to help in the relief efforts of the Philippine Red Cross.

Despite wearing only a white Red Cross shirt and jeans, Miss World events director Steve Douglas said the organization allowed Megan to wear her crown and sash if only to bring joy to the children of Basey, Eastern Samar.

“If you could only see the joy and hope especially in the eyes of the children who, after experiencing the typhoon saw a real princess with a crown visit them. There was a photo where about 50 people were all smiling upon seeing Megan wear the crown,” Douglas said.

Young was able to raise P1.2 million dollars in her travels to the United Kingdom, United States, Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Yesterday, Young was accompanied by Miss World Philippines pageant director Cory Quirino, Philippine Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon, and PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang.

The Filipina beauty queen also showed with the local press the artwork children from Tanauan, Leyte gave her. Tanauan is also one of the badly-hit areas.

“Children were flashing green papers with artworks and their names on it. It said thank you, and even had illustrations, mostly happy ones despite having experienced the super typhoon,” Young said.

She said she visited the affected areas not only to help in the relief efforts but also to bring the message that everyone has to do something for the country, especially in helping those in the affected areas rise again.

The actress-turned-beauty-titlist also shared hearing personally the sentiments of the victims whom she met while visiting Ormoc, Tacloban, Tanauan in Leyte and Basey in Samar.

“May isang Lola na kinausap ko, kinumusta ko siya. Sabi niya, tulungan ko daw siya kasi wala na silang bahay, wala na silang mapupuntahan. Eto yung mga heartbreaking. Makikita natin ang sitwasyon pero mahirap makinig sa mga kwento. Lahat kailangan ng tulong,” Young said.

Gordon lauded Young for initiating help and for partnering with PRC.

“We did not invite her. She went to our office and told us that she wants to help. That’s outstanding!” Gordon said.

Gordon also commended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama for being “compassionate” in helping out the Red Cross establish a tent city at the South Road Properties, which is set to open next week.

Young’s trip will continue today in typhoon-hit Iloilo. She also wants to check the situation in Bohol, which was hit badly by the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Central Visayas on October 15. /JMO (FREEMAN)