VF calls for help from doctors, nurses

Relief and Rehabilitation efforts underway

Visayan Forum, its partners from various multi-sectoral groups, and student and professional volunteers are coming together for the urgent task of healing the wounds and helping victims of Ondoy get their lives back on track. 

This October 8, VF will go to Balayan, Batangas to provide relief and start the planning for rehabilitation of coastal barangays where at least one hundred families lost their homes.  These coastal barangays are also the most impoverished and are made up mostly of migrants from Visayas and Mindanao.  VF will distribute relief goods, emergency school kits, and set-up possible livelihood programs for women. 

Meanwhile, the Manila Harbor Anti-Trafficking Task Force led by Aboitiz Transport, Philippine Ports Authority, the Philippine Coast Guard, in coordination with the Manila District 1 Social Welfare Office, will hold a Medical and Relief Mission for victims from Isla Puting Bato and other affected communities in the port area this Friday, October 9 at the Delpan Complex, Tondo, Manila from 9am to 3pm.  Children from more than 900 families are expected to benefit from the Mission.  They will be joined by volunteer doctors and nurses from various schools and institutions.

"Our urgent need right now are doctors, nurses, and medical professionals.  There are just too many children exposed to all forms of water-borne diseases and respiratory infections," according to Ms. Rebecca Ballesteros, Head of Social Workers of Visayan Forum.  "We are appealing for their help, especially for the Isla Puting Bato and Pandacan Missions."

VF will also lead relief efforts for residents of Barangay Maybunga in Pasig on October 10.  More than two weeks after the onslaught of Typhoon Ondoy, more than a thousand residents are still submerged in knee-deep flood waters. 

In partnership with Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity and Sorority, VF will conduct a  Medical Mission in Pandacan on October 11 (Sunday).  More than 1,000 children and 500 families are expected to benefit from the relief goods, emergency school kits, and medical services to be provided during the Mission.

For volunteers, please contact Ms. Rebecca Ballesteros at 709-0711,  709-0573, or at 09158239778.  You can also email her at [email protected].