Little was left after Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) struck Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar province on November 8 last year. The typhoon, which wreaked havoc throughout the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, destroyed all forms of transportation on the island, leaving local communities stranded and isolated. We could not let those communities languish without assistance because they were isolated.
On February 14, a team from CFSI’s Field Office in Guiuan – in coordination with partner UNHCR and with assistance from local government units – embarked on a three-hour boat trip across rough seas to Homonhon Island to distribute 1,289 hygiene kits to families in eight barangays: Culasi, Pagbabangnan, Habag, Casuguran, Bitaugan, Cagusuan, Canawayon, and Inapulangan.
“We are very thankful to CFSI and UNHCR for providing us with these items,” said barangay captain Gary Nadunsa. “Other barangays were given items by other organizations, but not Homonhon Island … your good organization has thought of us and has personally delivered this to us. Thank you so much.”
CFSI Community Organizer Ashary Demaocor from the CFSI Field Office in Guiuan said: “Despite the dangers inherent in crossing the water in open boats and facing many big waves, we could not let those communities languish without assistance because they were isolated.”