On December 16, a Category 5 Typhoon - the strongest type of tropical storm in the world - hit the remote island of Siargao. It had almost 200 mph winds, massive storm surges, and it has totally devastated the entire area, leaving virtually all residents homeless and without drinkable water, little food, and no electricity for probably months.
Most of the locals live by the sea and on small remote islands nearby in houses made of wood or tin and have little chance of coming out of this unscathed.
We, as a group of people who have friends and family in Siargao, are setting up operations from Davao and Tagum to send and distribute life-saving goods and services.
As of December 24, 8th day after Typhoon Odette (Rai), while we are celebrating Christmas, the people of Siargao are in the midst of the rainy season (with another LPA on the 29th) with no roof above there heads, reports of deaths due to dehydration and diarrhea due to lack of safe drinkable water, and no electricity. The situation in Siargao is getting worse and will get worse without our help. We are urging anybody who can #HELPSIARGAO to donate for the recovery and rebuilding of Siargao Island and its neighboring islands.
No donation is too small to help save & rebuild lives!
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The catastrophic Typhoon Odette (Rai) virtually wiped out the entire Siargao and its neighboring islands. Leaving almost all residents homeless - not even with a roof over their heads, hungry, and cold.
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Reports from our team on the ground: residents hanging out in their homes (or whatever is left of it, like maybe just a table and some kitchen tools) in the morning and then roaming around at night to find shelter - whatever they find that at least somehow shields them from the cold wind of the night and the possible rain as it is rainy season now in Siargao (rainy season is November to March).
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The kids of Siargao are normally outside playing, but this time around not by choice.
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Kids gathering water from the wells. The lack of safe drinkable water in the island after Typhoon Odette have already claimed lives, including that of infants and children who are the most vulnerable.
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We have a long and daunting task ahead of us, but together, we can help rebuild Siargao. One day at a time.
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Thank you to everyone who donated. To help, please reach out @ikit_agudo on Instagram.
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You can also send donations directly to Ikit's account:
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BDO Account:
Jevy Mae F Agudo
Address: Brgy Catangnan, General Luna Surigao del Norte Philippines, 8419
Mobile number +639613006723
Banco de oro (BDO) account number 003380220072
Bank address: Surigao city, Philippines
Swift code: BNORPHMM
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Gcash:
Jevy Mae F Agudo
09613006723
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Total Donated Goods as of February 2022
For detailed reports, click here.
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December 26, goods arrives in Siargao. Thanks to Agbay Tagum, Oplan Tabang, Hexat Mining, and the Taojo family for giving us space in their truck.
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December 27, goods are prepared and recorded in Buddha (Siargao headquarters) led by Ikit Agudo
December 28, relief goods were distributed to families in Danao and small neighboring villages along the road towards Datu (this is the first time this area has received help). Worst hit families whos homes had been decimated received additional "temporary shelter package" containing blanket, mosquito net, sleeping mat, solar lamp.
Thank you to our on-the-ground volunteers led by Ikit Agudo for working hard in identifying badly affected areas that have not received any help yet. This is made possible with direct communication with the LGU and the different Baranggays. The team drive to different areas to check and assess the situation in different communities.
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Rebuild Project
Spearheaded by Ikit Agudo
December 28, First batch of rebuilding materials arrive in Siargao.
January 8, second batch of rebuilding goods delivered to Siargao. Daphne of Crossfit Siargao assisting delivery of goods from Davao City to Siargao. Escorted by Philippine Air Force, 7th Arcen Davao City, and Philippine Navy.
Davao team
Goods arrive in Siargao
Unloading and warehousing in Buddha Resort
Rebuilding begins - making coco lumber from fallen coconut trees
Rebuilding begins for senior citizens and PWDs
The first house we built using coco lumber harvested from donated coconut trees was for 82 year old Lola Estrera. She and her family spent the first couple weeks after Odette sleeping seated under a makeshift roof that would leak heavily every time it rained.
(rebuild in progress photo)
Because of your donations Lola Estrera and her family can now finally able to sleep comfortably.
Our rebuilding efforts are still ongoing
Wheelchairs for PWDs who have lost their homes
Thank you to everyone who donated. To help, please reach out @ikit_agudo on Instagram.
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You can also send donations directly to Ikit's account:
BDO Account:
Jevy Mae F Agudo
Address: Brgy Catangnan, General Luna Surigao del Norte Philippines, 8419
Mobile number +639613006723
Banco de oro (BDO) account number 003380220072
Bank address: Surigao city, Philippines
Swift code: BNORPHMM
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Gcash:
Jevy Mae F Agudo
09613006723
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Updated April 3, 2022
