MANILA, Philippines - When super typhoon Yolanda ravaged Eastern Visayas in 2013, it easily destroyed an estimated 5,900 classrooms and partially damaged 14,508, affecting thousands of school children.
For months, classes in public schools in the area could not be held, or were held in makeshift, often uncomfortable or hazardous settings. As recovery efforts continue more than a year after the disaster, many schools, particularly in Leyte, are still in need of repair in time for classes in the next schoolyear.
In Dagami, one of the hardest hit municipalities in Leyte, the two-classroom building of Guinarona Elementary School that catered to over 500 students from four barangays was totally damaged by the typhoon. This prompted global IT leader Cisco Systems and international humanitarian organization, World Vision, to partner to rebuild the school building.
The renovated facility was turned over last Jan. 21 to school officials led by school head Lorena Alcober in the presence of town mayor Abundio Delusa.
Cisco, which also holds offices in Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and neighbouring countries in Asia even sent its top executives as volunteers to help in the rehabilitation work. Volunteers also enjoyed reading stories, teaching art, and playing with the school children. The company was among the first to respond to World Vision’s call to help rebuild schools that were devastated by the disaster.
“This project is a concrete example of what our community can do when we unite. This is a collective effort of countries working together: Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines,” shared Cisco country manager Mario Luis Castaneda.
“We see a lot of potential in these kids. We admire their resilience and unwavering hope. There is definitely more work to be done here,” he added.
For his part, World Vision associate director Jun Godornes highlighted the importance of prioritizing the rebuilding of schools.
“We are investing on our children, the younger generation. We recognize that education still offers them the best chance for a brighter future. In essence, for this project, we are not only building a structure, but we are also building back the dreams that were once devastated by typhoon Yolanda,” he shared.
“We also see the international aid coming from countries like Thailand, and we are grateful that even more than a year after the typhoon, we are still seeing a huge outpouring of support,” he added.
World Vision continues to rebuild hope and livelihood in Yolanda-affected communities in four Visayan provinces.
For more information on how to help or donate, visit worldvision.org.ph or call 372-7777.