As the water levels go down, Filipino citizens are dealing with the carnage left by Typhoon Haiyan — and Winnipeggers are trying to help.
The Philippine-Canadian Centre of Manitoba has been taking donations to send overseas since the typhoon struck on Nov. 8.
“Everybody is just trying to do their best, no matter how big or small, just to raise some funds to send back home to the Philippines,” said Chester Pangan, the host of the Winnipeg radio show Good Morning Philippines.
Pangan answers calls every day from people wanting to do their part. It reaffirms just how resilient the Filipino community is, he said.
“If our house was taken away from us, that’s OK, at least our family is still here,” said Pangan. “For whatever reason, we can be thankful for … that’s where we are.”
Gloria Agravante has lived in Winnipeg since 1990, but has two children and nine grandchildren on the Philippine island of Cebu. She hadn’t heard from some of her family until Monday. They were unharmed but shocked by the aftermath.
“It’s so hard on us; they are our people,” said Agravante. “My family may be safe, but my heart is still crying out for those people who were hit hard.”
While communities from around the world come together to provide assistance, the real struggle will be rebuilding, she said.
“It takes a long time. I’ve been there — I grew up in the Philippines. I know it takes time for these things, to be back on our feet again.”
The Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba, 737 Keewatin St., is taking donations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. For more information call 204-451-1765 or 204-792-3989.
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