In what could be considered a remarkable response to the universal call for help following the aftermath of one of the most catastrophic incidents ever to hit the Philippines, the Dolefil- initiated Caravan of Hope Relief Operations was able to distribute packaged assistance to 2,800 families affected by super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) which hit the Visayas Islands in November 8, 2013 . Just like Leyte and Samar, Panay Island , composed of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo was right in the path of the super typhoon and was severely affected as well . Dolefil initiated a call for support and the Caravan of Hope accumulated a total of P5.361M in cash donations from foreign and local donors who answered the call. Local companies, organizations and individuals also extended donations in goods and services for the relief efforts.
Three teams of volunteers composed of Dolefil employees, Mahintana employees, representatives from the employees union (LEAD, LEAD.PH, LEAD- Calumpang) and the cooperatives (DARBC, UEWMPC, CAMPCO,PMSC, TSKMPC) together with local NGO partners and volunteers were deployed and conducted a simultaneous materials distribution in the municipalities of Tibiao ( 507 beneficiaries) and Culasi (504 beneficiaries) both in the Province of Antique and in the municipality of Sigma, Province of Capiz last December 2, 2013.
The relief efforts were successfully conducted with the coordination efforts of partner NGOs in Panay (PhilDHRRA, Iloilo CODE NGO, PROCESS-Panay, SIgmahanon Development Foundation. Inc.) who initiated the identification, verification and validation of beneficiaries as well as coordinated with the local government units for the conduct of the relief operations.
