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Voluntourism: "The Do Good Project" for ST Haiyan (Yolanda) Survivors

Tacloban City Post Haiyan Yolanda Voluntourism

With our busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. But it only takes few days off your work to do some good deeds to Yolanda affected places in Eastern Visayas. Why not join The Do Good Project? It's an initiative spearheaded by Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region 8, Bangon Tours and some kind-hearted sponsors. The project aims to invite guests and tourists seeking for a way on how to help the survivors of typhoon Yolanda. It fosters "voluntourism" by bringing people together to help in any way possible to prove that the power of working together in a fun and social environment will make a difference.

Leyte Post Haiyan Yolanda Voluntourism

I am thrilled to be selected as one of the volunteers for The Do Good Project last week. Together with other bloggers, I traveled to Tacloban City to share some of my time in taking part to this project. I know that through this, it will not only benefit the affected communities, but will also show that by doing something good it can foster a sense of purpose and meaning to one's life.

Tacloban City Post Haiyan Yolanda Voluntourism

You don't have to be rich to make a difference. At The Do Good Project, all you need to do is show up, share whatever help you can, bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm and be ready to have fun while helping the affected communities.

Tacloban City Post Haiyan Yolanda Voluntourism

The Do Good Project is composed of 3 phases:


1. Going around the affected communities

On this phase, we went around Tacloban City and some parts of Palo to see the extent of the damages brought by the typhoon. Here are the places we went to:


Tacloban City Leyte Post Haiyan Yolanda Voluntourism
A restaurant inside Leyte Park

Tacloban City Post Haiyan Yolanda Voluntourism
This used to be a floating restaurant

Tacloban City Post Haiyan Yolanda Voluntourism
Sto. Niño de Tacloban Church

Tacloban City Leyte Samar Post Haiyan Yolanda Voluntourism
The church's interiors being reconstructed


Tacloban City Leyte Samar Post Haiyan Yolanda Do Good Project
This is the ship that ravaged the houses at Brgy. 68 Anibong in Tacloban City

Tacloban City Leyte Samar Post Haiyan Yolanda Do Good Project
Star Hilongos at the shore of Brgy. Rawis, Tacloban City which they plan to convert into a restaurant

Tacloban City Leyte Samar Post Haiyan Yolanda Do Good Project
Some kids playing at Brgy. Rawis

Tacloban City Leyte Samar Post Haiyan Yolanda Do Good Project
Smiles from the innocent kids

Tacloban City Leyte Samar Post Haiyan Yolanda Do Good Project
Paying respect to those who departed, by offering prayers and flowers at the mass grave in front of San Joaquin Church in Palo, Leyte

Tacloban City Leyte Samar Post Haiyan Yolanda Do Good Project
Talking to the survivors

2. Sharing

On the afternoon of our 2nd day in Tacloban City, we went to one of the most affected community in San Joaquin in the town of Palo. There, we distributed some bags, school supplies, clothes, toys and insect repellants to some residents. These items were donated by Waray Bayaay and AY Foundation.

Tacloban City Leyte Samar Post Haiyan Yolanda Do Good Project
Some of "The Do Good Project" recipients in Brgy. San Joaquin

Tacloban City Leyte Samar Post Haiyan Yolanda Do Good Project
Kids receiving some school bags

Tacloban City Leyte Samar Post Haiyan Yolanda Do Good Project
The Do Good Project

Tacloban City Leyte Samar Post Haiyan Yolanda Do Good Project
A kid holding an insect repellant

Tacloban City Leyte Samar Post Haiyan Yolanda Do Good Project
A happy kid receiving a new school bag

In this phase, you can choose how to help. You may bring some donations to share, help in distributing donations, share your talents and skills, teach some livelihood to the community, among many other ways of lending a helping hand.

Tacloban City Leyte Samar Post Haiyan Yolanda Do Good Project
They are super happy!

3. Volunteers' Debriefing

The 3rd phase of the project is the volunteers' debriefing day. We went on a road trip to Samar and Eastern Samar visiting some tourist spots.

Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Basey Samar
Boat ride to Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Basey Samar

Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Basey Samar
Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Basey Samar

Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Basey Samar
On our way to Panhulugan Cave

Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Basey Samar
Exploring Panhulugan Cave

Eastern Samar
Road trip to Eastern Visayas

Balangiga Eastern Samar
Balangiga Church after Yolanda

Balangiga Eastern Samar
Balangiga Church in Eastern Samar

Marabut Samar
Kandongos Falls in Marabut Samar

Tacloban City Leyte Samar Post Haiyan Yolanda Do Good Project
Stopping by the famed San Juanico Bridge before coming back to Tacloban City

It was an awesome experience to see smiles from the faces of the residents as they receive some donations. It may just be a small gift, but to them, it meant a lot. That smile from a happy child receiving an old toy or a thankful person for receiving a small donation shows you're making a difference in someone's life. And that's one of the greatest feelings in this world. It really feels good to do good! Take part and be a volunteer for The Do Good Project!

The Do Good Project

How to become a volunteer for The Do Good Project?


You may contact: Ms. Ludette Ruiz
Address: Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours
Calle Zaragosa, Independencia St, 6500 Tacloban City
Mobile Number: +63 0918-9383960

Thank you to Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours, Department of Tourism Region 8 and Bangon Tours for inviting me to be part of The Do Good Project. Thank you also to AirAsia Philippines for flying me to Tacloban City.


SEE ALSO: Kalanggaman Island, "Palompon's Island Paradise"

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