Haiyan bringing families together

Paolo Garcia and team rebuilding Haiyan-damaged homes in Ormoc with tarpaulins

Photo: Christina Garcia-Frasco

I am proud of my mother, Isabel Alega Garcia, who rallied her friends and family immediately after Haiyan after had hit to provide tarps for families who have lost their roofs and homes. So far, she has been able to provide 400 families with tarps to shelter their homes in Ormoc. She had dreamed to raise enough to shelter 1,000 families, but is now ordering an additional 1,500 tarps from friends' donations for families in Samar, Calbayog, and Palawan. I am equally proud of my siblings who have joined my mother in her effort as well. 

I am proud of my 8-year old daughter, Laela Eliana Garcia, who had given most of her life savings to provide shelter for two families. She inspires me, constantly.  She shows others that a little does go a long way. 

I am proud of my cousins, Paolo Garcia and Christina Garcia Frasco who have been on the ground distributing tarps, food, water, medicine, and immediate needs to Haiyan survivors in Ormoc and neighboring areas. 

I have grandparents, uncles, aunts, and many other cousins who are on the ground helping Filipinos rebuild their lives. I feel extremely blessed to be in a family who have big hearts and have been tirelessly dedicating what they can to help others in need at this critical time.