Philippine women switch on solar to light their way in a storm
by Geela Garcia | December 14, 2021 | Published by Reuters | READ THE STORY HERE MARABUT, Philippines, Dec 14 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - When Haiyan, one of the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded, smashed into the central Philippines in 2013, the town of Marabut in Eastern Visayas region suffered zero casualties. More than 1,000 residents scrambled up 32 feet (9.75 m) of slippery soil and limestone to take refuge inside the Tinabanan Cave, known for providing shelter since colonial times. Lorna dela Pena, 66, was alone when the super-typhoon landed on Nov. 8, killing more than 6,000 people [...]
Changing the face of leadership
by Arielle Celine Tabinga Humans have always relied on innovation in creating transformative changes that improve the quality of life. Collaboration plays a critical role in innovation, it allows ideas, perspectives, and approaches to surface. To fully foster the benefits of collaboration, diversity must first thrive. But how do we encourage diversity across all disciplines if sexist ideologies are still apparent at the very core of our societies? This toxic and ancient line of thinking has constantly fueled gender imparities, spurring negative judgement against women’s intelligence, behavior, and aptitude, has hindered the liberation of women for a long time. [...]
Remarkable Women: Helping Yolanda-hit city with solar power
(Posted on Early Edition on ANC, March 06, 2019) MANILA -- Women are helping Tacloban City rebuild from Super Typhoon Haiyan by installing solar panels. "Recharge Pilipinas" not only helps bring renewable energy to the mainstream, it gives the typhoon-prone communities a power source during disasters.
Women take the lead in lighting up communities with solar lamps
No mother would ever want to keep her kids waiting, especially when they're cold, tired, and hungry. But five years ago, this possibility loomed large for Lorna Ortillo Dela Peña, a senior citizen, single parent, and loving mother who also serves as the leader of a women’s group. Tacloban, which bore the brunt of the storm, was the site where most relief goods and donations for typhoon victims were delivered. Since roads to and from Tacloban were blocked, Lorna prompted to travel by ferry – days after typhoon Yolanda destroyed her family's hometown, Marabut in Western Samar. While in [...]
The Story of Marabut through its People
By Valentine Temple Marabut, is a town in Eastern Samar located near San Juanico bridge, home to several fisherfolks, farmers and known for the caves that is used by women mat weavers. It was sunny when I arrived and whenever I look I saw smiling faces and people offering their fresh catch from the sea. This town was heavily devastated five years ago by the super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). I interviewed some people to know better their experiences and how they are moving forward as a community. Marabut, is a town in Eastern Samar located near San Juanico bridge, it [...]