(ANS - Cebu) - Humanitarian efforts continue in the Philippines to help people affected by the typhoon Haiynan.  Already they are beginning to look ahead to the first initiatives after the emergency phase, relating to the restoration of the structures and normal activities. Among the many activities undertaken by Salesians, we mention below some that we have received written notice of.

From the Philippine Salesian community there is good news regarding theconsolidation of rescue activities. It has also planned a team of eight people, both Salesians and lay people, to coordinate field operations. They will be joined by two other people, a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians and a Franciscan sister from the Pro Infante et Famiglia institute.

Several Salesians were deployed on the island of Panay to work with the diocese in the distribution of relief kits. The humanitarian chain has been refined: products are purchased directly in Iloilo and distributed in the affected areas, thus saving on transport costs.  Students are helping with the packaging.

Since Tuesday, thanks to the collaboration of the Salesians of Northern Philippines, a radio channel has been available to communicate with the Salesian work in Borongan and they are trying to expand the contact to gather information from other places in the region that need help. It is hoped to send a truck on Saturday to help in the area of ​​Eastern Samar.

The Spanish Salesian NGO Don Bosco Solidaridad, which is part of the Don Bosco Network, has already allocated an initial contribution that will be used for the purchase of various goods as part of Relief Plan 2, while the Austrian NGO Jugend Eine Welt - Don Bosco Aktion Austria is in the process of sending money, energy biscuits and water purification tablets.

Volunteers of Hope 87 - another Austrian NGO that will work with the FMA in Cebu - will see to the transporting of these materials to at least three towns on the Bantayan islands that have been seriously affected by the typhoon. "We do everything we can to organize aid and we are very grateful for the great support we have received" said Mr Reinhard Heiserer, co-founder and managing director of Jugend Eine Welt.

Following various contacts made in recent days between the various members of the Don Bosco Network, first efforts are being made today to develop a plan for reconstruction and rehabilitation. This involves help not only in the emergency phase – by sending food, tents, medicines, etc., as it has been doing up to now – but also further work for a gradual return to normality.

There are several areas that are ready now to start with this phase. However, all transactions will be examined with great care and foresight. The goal, in fact, is not just to build housing to shelter the population, but to provide a home, a school or a centre capable of withstanding any future natural disasters.

Published 21/11/2013