Abu Dhabi
When I saw the devastation caused by Typhoon Ketsana, which hit Manila, Philippines in September 2009, I couldn’t bear to see the pain that my fellow Kababayan, or countrymen, were facing. The typhoon left at least 300 people dead.
The most difficult to see was the less fortunate children, who cried while being interviewed by news channels because their schools had been washed out by the flood. In spite of what had happened to their homes, they still managed to think about their education. I was moved by this and it is what motivated me to start my campaign.
I noticed how aluminum cans were thrown and disregarded by people. I then did research on where I could take these cans in the UAE for recycling purposes and also to raise money. I initiated my own version of a can collection drive in restaurants close to my office in Abu Dhabi.
I decided that the money that was raised will be donated to schools in the Philippines that needed help, especially the ones in rural areas. I was able to get the support of the cleaners and food court attendants. They helped me segregate the cans after the customers had consumed their drinks.
Every day I was able to collect more than 300 cans. A 100 empty cans weigh a kilogram and were sold for Dh4. In the first month, I managed to get around 20 kilograms and immediately contacted someone who would purchase them as scrap. The next month, my friends helped out and I was able to raise around Dh360, and then Dh500 the month after.
The habit of recycling and raising funds for the needy had now become a passion. The recycling would help our environment and the bonus part was that we were able help others in the process.
Over the year, with the help of my campaign, I sponsored three children to attend school with the help of World Vision’s Sponsor a Child programme. It’s a US-based humanitarian organisation that works with communities worldwide to tackle the causes of poverty.
In November 2013, the Philippines witnessed another deadly typhoon, Haiyan. That’s when I asked my friends living around the world to spread the word about my latest addition to the project. I organised the “I will share, count me in” challenge, which is a fundraising project for children in need in Tacloban City, in Leyte.
Volunteers would have to sponsor a child by providing a set of school supplies. It will only cost Dh60, but the challenge was that they had to raise money through a charitable cause.
Some hosted a bake sale, others sold their belongings and one of my friends based in Canada collected plastic bottles, cans and newspapers and raised money through recycling.
I decided to extend my support to the children of Villa Imelda Primary School, in Leyte. My cousin is a resident of Tacloban and she informed me of this school. The area and school were badly hit and the community has not completely recovered.
I contacted the head of the school, Janice Dorado Briones and asked her about the needs of the students. A week before my fight, all the school supplies were ready. My cousin recommended two volunteers who I met on my arrival. It was a 28-hour bus ride to reach the island.
The children were grateful to receive the supplies. We were able to put a smile on their faces and helped ease their family’s expenses. However, this wasn’t enough. The weather is so unpredictable here. One minute it’s sunny and suddenly it begins to rain and the children huddle in a small room and use umbrellas to avoid getting wet.
The school’s building is damaged, the roof and ceiling has been washed out and there is only one room that they are using for combined classes. A tent has also been set up outside the building, where some classes are hosted. How can you concentrate in such a class?
My plan now is to help rebuild the school building and provide a new roof. I also want to provide basic amenities, like a new blackboard, chairs, tables and an electric fan.
I’ve been spreading the word to all the nearest restaurants to help me save their cans and I’ve spoken to my friends. They’re using social media to inform others of the campaign. I encourage people to help in whatever small way that they can. All I need is for them to start segregating cans and not throw them out. By adopting this small change, we are not only helping our environment but also those in need.
I am grateful for the support I have received so far, but the problem is that it isn’t possible for me to go to all the emirates to collect the cans. If there are people who are willing to help out, they can reach me at michael_manlogon@yahoo.com.
The reader is a supervisor based in Abu Dhabi.
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