Raising funds to help victims of Typhoon Odette in Bais City, Negros Oriental, Philippines

On the evening of 16 December, 2021, Typhoon Odette struck Bais City (pop. 84,000+), with an estimated windspeed of 155kph, devastating residential homes, businesses, telecommunication services, and other infrastructures. As of 18 December, the city has no power, mobile and telephone services, and no running water. As the city is off-grid, there are currently no exact reports of the extent of damage and loss of life, but several people were able to send messages and pictures thru Facebook (thru spots where there is data coverage) showing the devastation. There were unconfirmed reports of deaths and missing persons, but are yet to be substantiated. Majority of people are still in the dark regarding the status of their families and loved ones.

A few days out before Christmas, and with the previous covid outbreak in the city, this is one of the most difficult holiday season the city has experienced.

In this regard, we are fundraising to help the people in our hometown, with the aim to provide basic needs such as clean/purified water, food, and medicine. This is a proactive approach until all basic services will be restored. Funds will be passed to my brother, Christian Mark "Markus" Villanueva. He is an accountant and a department manager of the Dumaguete City Water company, and has already organized and sent the first batch of water trucks as it is very very urgent. We are distributing water as it is the most urgent thing that the people need, at the same time starting to organize packets of food. We will not be working with any local organization at this stage as we are more organized and are more capable doing it ourselves (family and friends).

We do know that the covid situation worldwide has impacted a lot of people and businesses financially, hence your support, in any form or size, will be highly valued and appreciated.

A good holiday to all, and may we bring happiness to those in need.