Unless you’ve been living in a cave the last couple of weeks, you will have no doubt heard about, and seen the destruction wreaked upon the Philippines by typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). Although Haiyan did not affect all of the Philippines, Malapascua was right in it’s path and took a direct hit.
Fortunately there were no fatalities or even serious injuries on Malapascua, but property damage was extensive, as most of the houses and buildings on Malapascua are very simply constructed, often just from natural materials found on the island. This huge typhoon destroyed eighty percent of the boats,and countless houses and buildings were leveled, leaving many families without shelter, food, running water, or electricity.
Aid was quick to arrive, and we have been positively overwhelmed by the incredible generosity in the form of donations from friends, family, guests and total strangers from all around the world. There have also been many volunteers already, providing medical care to those in need, and helping locals with the arduous task of rebuilding.
Malapascua is still without power (Although we have generators at Evolution), but the cellular network is back up (which helps co-ordinating relief efforts) and thanks to our volunteers, donors and the hard work of the locals, most of the houses are already rebuilt, even if just in a basic manner for now.
On a personal note, our restaurant was completely destroyed, but happily the rooms and dive shop are still in good order, and our generators are running along merrily. Construction of a shiny new restaurant is already underway.
The key to survival for the locals now is jobs and income. Tourism is the only industry on Malapascua, so those tourism dollars are more valuable to the community than ever. Even though Yolanda wreaked such destruction, the recovery is happening at such a pace that tourists would barely notice the difference (aside from our conspicuously absent restaurant), so we ask and encourage anyone wanting to help out the people of Malapascua, book a holiday and come pay us a visit!
Anyone wishing to make financial contributions should contact Anna or Maria at Rebuild on rebuildmalapascua@gmail.com
Our sincere thanks once again to all those helping us to rebuild our lovely island.
