Category: OATH

Giving hope through OATH

One of the things that a human being shouldn’t lose is hope. For Haiyan survivors like myself, it was something that we were in dire need of. We were fuelled by the thought that help will come, that soon we would be saved.  I was lucky enough to find hope when my family temporarily moved to Cebu. But how about those who were left behind?
To those who have read my Relief under OATH post, you’d know that I’ve had the pleasure of helping the people of Buri, Palo through the generous hearts of foreigners. The people of this town were left roofless after Haiyan and were neglected by the government for some time.
We chose those who needed help the most, for example, Mr. Arturo. He was left with a house filled with trash and his roof was missing, but he did not lose hope. This inspired the people of OATH to do what they could to help.

Last December 29, he was close to tears when he saw the roofing materials donated by OATH. He was finally going to have a home before the New Year. 

(please turn on caption for translation)
He was very grateful, as he kept holding on to my arm, shaking it as if to make sure that it was all true. “I’d finally get to build my home.” He said.
Hope is a given right to people. Without hope, there would be no thought of tomorrow and the things to come. We gave these people hope that 2014 would be better, and their faces were priceless. OATH have given rice to a total of 40 families and have given roof materials to a family of 10. There are still more to come, as we hope for more help from the others.

If you would like to help OATH give hope to the people, every thought counts. Whether you are sending prayers or financial help, it is a form of hope. We have to remember that even when the news have died down and have moved on, this people are still in need of help. We cannot stand on our own, as we are crippled and barely standing.

Send help through OATH’s bank account below:

Account Number : 140083300011
Account Name :


O. A. TRUST HOUSE INC
Beneficiary Bank: Philippines National Bank (PNB)
Address of Beneficiary Bank: Gil Puyat, Makati Branch
Country : Philippines
Swift code : PNBMPHMM

Relief under OATH

Last weekend I went to Tacloban for a very special mission: I got the chance to help survivors of Haiyan like myself. As most of you know, my family and I have moved to Cebu for the meantime, just until classes start at Tacloban this January.

Thanks to social media, I got in contact with foreigners who had the kind heart to help the survivors, even when they did not know them. After days of canvasing and tying the knots, we finally got to go to Tacloban, almost a month after we left for Cebu. My parents, together with my brother and I traveled five hours by boat and two hours by car. It was completely devastating to see the sight, the fallen trees, roofless houses and the lot. I don’t want to divulge into any other details, because I will be posting some pictures below.

Anyway, it was simply heartbreaking when we reached the town that we were meant to be helping. Their houses were half or all gone, the mountain bare of leaves and destruction was everywhere. And yet, these girls found a reason to smile when I faced them the camera.







 Now let us meet Mr. Arturo. He is a father of eight, and a grandfather of many. This is his house after the storm. It has no roof, no windows, and has collapsed. 

This is where they live now, in a make shift house made of blown away roof and wood.


Here is a video of him, asking for materials for his house:


They have lost their homes, some lost family members, but they didn’t lose hope. They found the energy to smile when we presented them with the sacks of rice, all donated by OATH. 




Looking at the faces of these sweethearts were all worth it. So now I ask you this: would you want to be one of the reasons why they are smiling that way? If you’d like, you can make a donation. A little literally goes a long way. 

Account Number : 140083300011
Account Name :

O. A. TRUST HOUSE INC

Beneficiary Bank: Philippines National Bank (PNB)
Address of Beneficiary Bank: Gil Puyat, Makati Branch
Country : Philippines
Swift code : PNBMPHMM
Our next voyage towards their town would be on December 27, where we would deliver the first batch of house supplies(roof, nail and wood) for them to start 2014 with a new home and stronger hope.