Super Typhoon Odette's path of destruction leaves thousands homeless

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By Menelito Mansueto Jr., co-editor 


SuperTyphoon Odette, with winds reaching 270 kph, left a tremendous damage to the various provinces and regions of the Visayas and Northern Mindanao last December 16, 2021. The catastrophe has not only brought damage to properties and great suffering to thousands of victims, it also resulted to severe emotional, mental, and psychological stress as families now deal with death of loved ones and traumatic loss. Power and communication lines have been toppled and major cities hit by the typhoon are without water. 

We enjoin all Filipinos as well as our foreign friends, to help in relief efforts. The people of Bohol, in particular, have been known to welcome tourists with their contagious smiles. But now they ask and plead for your kind-heartedness. Practically, many areas in Bohol have been damaged by the typhoon, especially Ubay, Alicia, and Loboc. What previously was an image of green vegetation in Bilar and Loboc town's Man-made Forest, and the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, has been replaced by a miserable portrait of destruction.

During natural calamities in the past, the Boholanos have remained grateful to the Lord Almighty, jubilating after overcoming the wrath of nature. Boholanos, like most Filipinos, are steadfast and resilient. As a people, we are affectionate and caring in many ways. However, the present challenge is enormous and the struggle requires a concerted effort from both the government and the private sector. 

The Social Ethics Society (SES) is extending a helping hand by organizing a donation drive and relief operations for the victims of the typhoon through its members who are residents in the affected areas. The SES has been vocal for years about the effects of climate change to the poor. Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc has echoed the demand for climate justice and a little sensitivity from others in the light of what has happened. 

In solidarity with the thousands of victims of Super Typhoon Odette, the SES is sending donations to the hard-hit areas. It is also accepting cash donations that it will send via charities on the ground. Donations can be sent to Dr. Rogelio Bayod, VP of the SES. He is leading the fund drive. Dr. Bayod's bank details are as follows: Land Bank of the Philippines, Account Name: Rogelio Bayod; Account Number: 0336194636.

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