Disaster Relief

Habitat for Humanity–Philippines 

In February 2006, a series of devastating mudslides caused far-reaching damage and loss of life in the Philippine province of Southern Leyte. Landslides and flash floods affected more than 1,000 families, or nearly 5,000 people. 

Most of the schools in affected areas were also washed away, an image that haunted Western Union Agents in the region.  How could children learn?  How would communities sustain themselves without these precious infrastructures?  Working with Habitat for Humanity Foundation Philippines (HFHP), four Agents joined forces to help build and furnish two schools at a resettlement area for displaced and homeless families.  Thanks to their efforts, the lives of 160 children have returned to some normalcy.  Each building has been lovingly equipped with chairs, tables, blackboards, bookshelves, and computers as well as school supplies like bags, notebooks, paper and writing instruments.   

A total of $40,000 was raised including Agent donations from E-Business Services, Inc.; M. Lhuillier, Inc.; PETNET, Inc.; and Universal Storefront Services Corp.  The Western Union Foundation matched Agent giving and also gave a direct grant.  Beyond the monetary contributions, what capped the experience was the involvement of Agents, employees and Western Union business partners working side-by-side with Habitat for Humanity and affected families to physically build the schools from start to finish.  Importantly, the community-wide effort did wonders to help restore dignity and self-reliance to the people of Barangay San Juan.