Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from the Philippines.

Super typhoon Megi, considered the strongest storm in the Pacific Ocean since 1990, struck northern Luzon Island on October 18, causing at least three people to lose their lives as more than 3,000 were evacuated due to fierce winds and torrential rains which also triggered landslides. The Philippine military, police, and local personnel as well as international relief agencies were called in to aid following the sudden, intense disaster.

(In Tagalog and English mixed)
Restituto P. Vargas – Disaster management coordinator, Cagayan Province, Philippines(M): Some were drowned due to flashfloods and other incidents; some were hit by toppled houses. In the province of Cagayan, the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council immediately dispatched rescue teams to strategic places where the Typhoon Megi was expected to hit.

(In Tagalog unless otherwise noted)
Excelsis R. de Leon – Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer of Penablanca (F): In one barangay, we have 100 families under water.

VOICE: With deep concern, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$15,000, asking that our nearby Association members check with Philippine officials and relief agencies to see if help was needed and to go, if possible, to offer assistance to the most vulnerable. Covering their own travel expenses of US$2,300, our Association’s relief teams from the Philippines and Formosa (Taiwan) met with local officials to determine the areas most in need. Emergency food supplies were then purchased, repacked and distributed for a total of 3,620 people across three towns.

EmersonTuppil – Barangay Captain of Malibabag, Penablanca, Cagayan (M): For your program, we are very thankful. Because you are always watching out for us. Thank you, Supreme Master Ching Hai.

VOICE: After the immediate needs of the residents were provided for, the remaining funds were then used to purchase five sacks of rice, biscuits, and sweets for an orphanage.

Young child (F): Thank you for the candies that you gave. We are very happy.

VOICE: In addition to the food packages, SOS flyers describing the veg solution to climate change were given to relief recipients and officials alike, both of whom conveyed their interest and appreciation.

(In Tagalog and English mixed)
Woman with infant (F): Thank you, Master Ching Hai. For the food, and for everything, and for this flyer that you gave us.

Excelsis R. de Leon (F): So if look at it, this is effect of global warming, right? I, myself, I go for that campaign, that Be Veg, Go Green 2 Save the Planet. We have to plant vegetables, have to establish backyard gardens. No need to slaughter, or eat junk foods or canned goods. But have to be natural foods like vegetables, which is so easy to produce.

(In Tagalog and English mixed)
Restituto P. Vargas (M): So let’s support the advocacy of Be Veg, Go Green 2 Save the Planet, because it is not just the people which can be saved through it, but also the Mother Earth.

Young child (F): I love you Master Ching Hai.

VOICE: Our appreciation, Philippine government officials as well as all other organizations and individuals helping the disaster victims. We also join in thanking Supreme Master Ching Hai for her loving assistance to the Philippine people, and our Association’s relief team for their efficient efforts. With prayers for the continued recovery of the storm affected, we look forward to the day that such destructive events cease through our efforts to create a more peaceful and caring atmosphere on Earth.