Main Gate of Colegio de Sta. Lourdes post-Yolanda
The Colegio de Sta. Lourdes was badly damaged when Typhoon Yolanda barreled through Leyte. The physical destruction of the school, while costly, does not compare to the heartbreak of others affected by the storm. People have lost their homes, their livelihoods, and, most dishearteningly, their loved ones. The Colegio de Sta. Lourdes is concentrating its efforts and dedicating itself in helping those whose lives were changed irrevocably by the storm.
Dr. Rustico Balderian, President and Founder of Colegio de Sta. Lourdes, in his capacity as a director of the Red Cross and Chairman for Disaster Management, is directing operations in Tacloban City, working with both government and non-government organizations. Their current focus is to help find those he need immediate medical assistance. They have been able to transport victims using the Red Cross ambulance and bringing them to clinics to receive medical attention from volunteer doctors. Dr. Balderian has gathered the students and graduates of the Colegio de Sta. Lourdes as volunteers for the Red Cross to assist the volunteer doctors whose attention has been stretched thin with all the victims who need help. These students were also greatly affected by Typhoon Yolanda, but they are still working to help those whose lives were destroyed by the storm.
As the infrastructure and communication network in Leyte has been damaged, the Colegio de Sta. Lourdes has been operating in Manila to help organize relief efforts. Through the help of concerned friends who generously sacrifice their time and effort to help those in need, the Colegio de Sta. Lourdes has been gathering relief goods and cash donations. The first batch of relief goods consisting of over 568 packs of goods, 925 water bottles, 6 boxes of assorted medicines, and one generator were sent by Navy ship from Navotas to Tacloban City. The second batch of goods will be sent as soon as transportation can be arranged. The goods ready for shipment include 42 sacks of rice (50kg), 800 food packs, and 1,500 bottles of water. Combined, these goods weigh over 5,000kg, so finding cheap, quick transportion has proven difficult. The team is hoping to find air transportation soon.
To continue its efforts, the Colegio de Sta. Lourdes is accepting relief goods at their operations center in Cubao (see address at the bottom). Water bottles are accepted, but water purification tablets/droplets are preferred so transportation will be efficient. Goods packaged in tetrapacks are also preferred over cans since they are lighter and easier to transport. Noodles are good for families as they can make lots of soup to eat with their rice to sustain themselves.
Cash donations can be sent through three methods: 1) deposit into the Colegio de Sta. Lourdes RCBC Peso Savings Account, 2) money transfer (Western Union, Moneygram, M Lhullier), or 3) Colegio de Sta. Lourdes Paypal account. See details below on how to use the three methods at the bottom of the post. If you make a cash donation, please email a copy of the deposit slip or transaction receipt to csllfi@yahoo.com. If you have any preference as to how your donation is to be used, you may specify in your email. We will do our best to use donations according to such requests.
The destruction wrought by Typhoon Yolanda was both shocking and heartbreaking, but it provides an opportunity survivors to come together to rebuild anew. The road ahead is daunting and full of challenges. The Colegio de Sta. Lourdes, its administration, and its students are prepared for this long journey to recovery. Together, we will overcome.
Paypal
For Philippine Peso donation:
For US Dollar donation:
Colegio de Sta. Lourdes of Leyte Foundation, Inc. 