Salvation Army team members distribute food in Santa Rosa, Laguna
SINCE 26 September, when Typhoon Ondoy (known in the global media as Ketsana) swept across The Philippines and impacted the lives of more than four million people, The Salvation Army has been working tirelessly. Its Central Philippines Divisional Headquarters in Quezon City was transformed into an aid centre and is stocked with sacks of rice, cans of sardines, boxes of noodles, piles of blankets and mats and bottles of medicine.
The staff of the three Salvation Army centres located on the property (Quezon City Corps #2, Bethany Centre and divisional headquarters) – and many volunteers – have been sorting and packing relief aid for two weeks. In that time the Salvationists and their helpers have distributed in excess of 13,000 food hampers in eight cities and 22 barangay (villages) at a cost of more than US$125,000.
Despite this huge quantity of supplies and the thousands of deliveries made by other aid agencies some people were still not reached because the flood waters remained too high. It is estimated that in some places the flooding will take three months to recede.
Some people had to be evacuated because the ground was sinking and their houses with it; others were moved from evacuation centres as the waters spread and rose. At the time of writing, reports were coming in of a number of dams that had burst their banks, leading to yet more flooding.
Typhoon Pepeng (known as Parma outside The Philippines) crossed the northern regions of the country before doubling back on itself and staying in place as a tropical depression – leading to more heavy rain. In the process it has devastated the region, which is traditionally responsible for providing the bulk of the country's staple foods including corn and rice.
In these next days The Salvation Army will escalate the distribution of food, basic medicines, blankets and mats. It has an advantage over some other aid agencies, having been in the country for many years. Salvationist personnel know the areas and the people, they know who to speak to and where help is most needed – and they are developing a relationship of trust with affected people.
Salvationists in The Philippines are often ignoring personal loss while reaching out to others. In the process they are transforming lives and reforming communities.
 Only 1,000 people were expected when the Salvation Army team arranged food distribution in Santa Rosa, Laguna, but 3,000 turned up. The police (in light blue shirts) helped to control the crowds. |
 Emergency services worker Major Daryl Crowden and Major Marialyn Nietes (territorial headquarters support officer) wade through water on the way to distribute food. |
 Food for distribution is loaded in a truck loaned to The Salvation Army by the Mayor of Santa Rosa. |
