I have been doing volunteer work with Hands On Manila for more than 10 years already. That’s why when I see or know that friends are doing the same thing, I always feel grateful that they share their most valuable time to do any work for the cause they believe in.

My friend Joyce posted something in her facebook status about an update on her work with her friends for the rehabilitation of Bantayan Island in Cebu. I always want to go on a disaster response volunteer project but since my schedule and mommy duties do not permit me to be away from home for several days, I want to help her spread the word by posting the details here. 

A photo collage of some YPDR projects: joint medical mission with our partner Fundación SAMU,hygiene promotion, educational puppet show about handwashing, painting benches and repairing walls at an elementary school.

Young Pioneer Disaster Response (YPDR) is a non-profit corporation composed of international volunteers dedicated to help with the rehabilitation of Bantayan Island in Northern Cebu. Supertyphoon Yolanda had destroyed 92% of the entire island. YPDR came to Bantayan last December 7th and committed to a three-year operation in the island in order to facilitate long-term solutions and the best sustainable practices that would not only restore but also empower the affected communities. Among YPDR’s programs are shelter, school rehabilitation, water rejuvenation, sanitation and hygiene facilities, environmental and economic initiatives, permaculture gardens, ecotourism, and to provide training and employment to local residents. YPDR has forged partnerships with Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH), Urgent Medical Aid Service (SAMU), Bangon Bantayanon (BB) and Damgo sa Kaugmaon (“Dream the Future”). 

Bantayan Island is a beautiful island marked by white sand beaches but Typhoon Yolanda severely damaged it, destroying 92% of the island. If you are interested to support and help the projects to rebuild Bantayan, check out the Young Pioneer Disaster Response in  or visit the YPDR Facebook page.

I have done various volunteer works in the past and hopefully soon can join one for disaster response. May be when our little boy, who is now 3, will be old enough to come with us to volunteer. Good luck Joyce and the whole team for the restoration efforts.  Sending hugs to you and Nick from Team Gavan 🙂