Friday, August 08, 2008

TYPHOON "FRANK" BATTERS KALIBO - AND SRE

The province of Aklan was one of the worst-hit by last June's Typhoon "Frank," with the capital muncipality of Kalibo bearing the brunt of its fury. It was the first such natural disaster to hit Kalibo in more than 25 years, with ferocious winds and raging waters mixed with mud obliterating everything in its path. Kalibo is just now restoring power and communication lines.

Among the thousands of casualties were homes and businesses of SRE staff and their families. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured despite near-drownings and getting buried under debris. Thousands of others who have been left homeless (and jobless) have spent hours lining up for food at various government distribution centers.

SRE's plant operations in Ibajay were basically spared, with the blown-away roof of the work shed being the only damage. SRE's main office and laboratory that houses the multi-crop dryer, on the main campus of Aklan State University, were spared by Mother Nature; unfortunately, both facilities were looted, with everything metal including motors, wirings, the wire-mesh fence - even the iron window grills - removed. In addition, the SRE truck was partially submerged in mud and water and is now undergoing repairs.

SRE president Perla Manapol is busy trying to raise funds and donations in the U.S., through the Ayala Foundation-USA's 501(c) facility. Checks are made payable to "Ayala Foundation USA" (with notation: For Sustainable Rural Enterprise) and sent to:

Ayala Foundation USA

255 Shoreline Drive, Suite 428
Redwood City, CA 94065
USA Tel. No. 1-650-598-3126
Fax No. 1-650-508-8988
Website:
af-usa.org

"Every little bit will help," Perla says, adding, "We're just thankful that none of the SRE staff and their families were injured. All of them are still busy digging their way out of the rubble - amazingly, in characteristic good spirits!"