2014 APCO Freedom Day Luncheon and Ball

Haiyan Mission: A truly rewarding experience!
By Dr Cen Amores, Founding President and Volunteer for APCO 2014 Overseas Relief Mission
I
decided to join APCO’s Haiyan Relief
Mission, a week before the scheduled
departure to the devastated areas
of Eastern Visayas. Concerned for my
welfare, our two older sons orchestrated a
scare campaign – I may not be able to cope,
there is no electricity there, sanitation was
a serious issue, I may get sick, etc, etc.
These tactics did not dampen my interest
though. Luckily, both my husband, Ruben
and our youngest son, Karlo were very
supportive!
Then, reality set in. Realising that going
on a relief mission was a new and challenging
experience, I quietly panicked! I felt overwhelmed
by the prospect of getting myself into an
unchartered territory! I was concern about
what and how we shall effectively and promptly
respond to the actual needs of the survivors. Did
we have enough funds to cover the mission cost?
Did we have a contingency plan in the event that
something untoward happens? Definitely, I was
not expecting the group to just fork out a dole.
There’s got to be a way by which we can deliver
much needed services with sustainable impact to
the people and the communities.
In any thing we do - especially if it’s something
new, I believe preparation is crucial. While most of
my co-volunteers were originally from the Visayas
Cash donations to feed malnourish children
region, they have been away for a while and they
themselves shared similar concerns as mine. But
having been involved in managing community
development projects previously and with a
husband who had formal training, experience and
expertise in project management, I knew I could
get the help I needed. Brainstorming with him
was the way to go. Actively listening to him as he
generously offered useful tips did help.
I knew then that I was on the right track. Using
google and accessing a few websites to identify
reputable NGOs locally operating in the devastated
areas we planned to visit was critical. After
spending considerable time doing my research, I
was happy with the information I gathered. Two
NGOs stood out – the Water, Agroforestry and
Nutrition Development (WAND) Foundation and
Volunteer for the Visayan, Inc
(VFV).
Two weeks fund raising at Sydney train stations
The WAND Foundation is
based in Ormoc City. It has a
very high reputation having
been a recipient of the Bill
and Melinda Gates Award for
Global Health Explorations,
Israel International Award and
Tech Award for Technology
Benefiting Humanity.
Currently, WAND Foundation
is implementing two major
projects in Leyte: low-cost safe