The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) responded immediately when Typhoon Milenyo (international codename Xangsane) tore through the Philippines in late September, killing nearly 200, affecting one million persons, and destroying hundreds of thousands of homes.

Milenyo flooded at least seven regions of the Philippines, including Metro Manila, with heavy rain and strong winds. Relief and disaster officials identified the provinces of Sorsogon and Albay as the areas worst hit by Milenyo.

The ADRA country office, which is located in the heavily-hit municipality of Silang, Cavite, was also battered by Milenyo. The typhoon knocked out power and communication lines and flooded the basement, complicating recovery efforts.

“ADRA has often assisted with food distribution, shelter assistance, providing water and many other necessities all over the Philippines, but we have never found ourselves in the middle of a typhoon the way we did in September,” said Göran Hansen, country director for ADRA Philippines. “Where we normally find ourselves engaged in helping others, this time we had to care for ourselves as well.”

Despite the office damage, ADRA was still able to provide emergency food packets and clothing for nearly 4,500 persons devastated by Milenyo. Typhoon survivors received food packets consisting of rice, noodles, biscuits, oil, and beans, as well as emergency compact food bars to help 900 families recover from the disaster. Nearly 200 ADRA volunteers assisted in the distribution. “In spite of very difficult conditions, ADRA made a very rapid and efficient response in the affected areas,” affirmed Hansen.

The municipality of Silang expressed its appreciation towards ADRA, which was the only agency to provide support for typhoon survivors in the area.

The entire project, valued at US$19,400, was funded in cooperation by ADRA International, the ADRA Asia Regional Office in Thailand, and the ADRA office in the Philippines.

ADRA also partnered with the local office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and community officials to ensure that those who were most in need received priority. “That way, we avoid much of the discussions on favoritism and partiality,” explained Hansen.

ADRA became an active agency in 1983, and currently implements projects in emergency management, basic health care, economic development, and education.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, or ethnicity.