| the Philippines was struck by the worst downpour of torrential rains and massive flooding in half a century. Leaving 80% of Metro Manila’s roads under flood waters, Ondoy (international codename: Ketsana) affected 2 million Filipinos or more than 300,000 families residing in Manila and nearby provinces and caused infrastructural and agricultural damages amounting to 5 billion pesos. To date, there are more than half a million displaced individuals still sheltered in evacuation centers. The death toll stands at 246 with many still missing. |
| Although it can be said that the Ondoy’s onslaught could be one of the darkest moments in the history of the Philippines, the innumerable stories of courage, selflessness, and hope continue to give light amidst the great loss and devastation. The Alitaptap stories of the Filipinos who braved the deadly torrents just to save the helpless, and the nameless heroes who, in the worst of times, had given their lives for the sake of their countrymen, are a testament to the honor, valor, and self-sacrifice of the Filipino race. |
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The Brown Raise believes that the stories of heroism of the simple Filipinos, like the seemingly faint glow of an Alitaptap, when put together, will become a blazing torch that would give light, hope, and inspiration to the Filipino in the midst of calamity and the ineptness of the authorities in responding to the needs of the millions of victims. |
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Like the lives and stories of the great heroes of our race like Lapu-Lapu and Jose Rizal, the new nameless heroes of Ondoy must be remembered by the next generation of Filipinos. The Brown Raise is currently interviewing the survivors as well as the families of the fallen heroes of Ondoy in order to write their stories of sacrifice and overcoming amidst the worst of storms. |
| Along with this, The Brown Raise is campaigning to support in monetary form, the heroes of Ondoy, not just by helping them at one time, but through sustained efforts for a period of time, until they have built enough foundations for the rebuilding of their future and their dreams -- perhaps, new dreams that are much larger and brighter than what they had before Ondoy crossed their paths. In the case of those who died and left behind their loved ones, we are campaigning for the scholarship and education of their children/siblings -- an education that is sufficient to equip and prepare them for a life of usefulness and significance in their own generation. |
Starting today, the Brown Raise will be posting Alitaptap stories of Ondoy Heroes, on a special section solely dedicated to the great men and women who opted to lose their lives and possessions just to respond to the needs of their fellow Filipinos. |
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Mabuhay ang Lahing Kayumanggi! |
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