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

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.

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.

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.

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:

Leyte Provincial Capitol Building

A restaurant inside Leyte Park

This used to be a floating restaurant

Sto. Niño de Tacloban Church

The church's interiors being reconstructed

Leyte Landing Memorial in Palo

This is the ship that ravaged the houses at Brgy. 68 Anibong in Tacloban City

Star Hilongos at the shore of Brgy. Rawis, Tacloban City which they plan to convert into a restaurant

Some kids playing at Brgy. Rawis

Smiles from the innocent kids

Paying respect to those who departed, by offering prayers and flowers at the mass grave in front of San Joaquin Church in Palo, Leyte

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.

Some of "The Do Good Project" recipients in Brgy. San Joaquin

Kids receiving some school bags

The Do Good Project

A kid holding an insect repellant

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.

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.

Boat ride to Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Basey Samar

Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Basey Samar

On our way to Panhulugan Cave

Exploring Panhulugan Cave

Road trip to Eastern Visayas

Balangiga Church after Yolanda

Balangiga Church in Eastern Samar

Kandongos Falls in Marabut Samar

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!

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"