UP Manila extends relief and medical assistance to 'Yolanda' survivors in Palo, Leyte Three days after 'Yolanda' caused severe devastation in Leyte, Samar, and Capiz, including UP Manila’s School of Health Sciences buildings in Palo, Leyte, the UP Manila community swifly organized relief and medical assistance efforts for the typhoon survivors. That same day, Chancellor Manuel Agulto issued a memorandum appealing for donations to support the relief operations of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, the volunteer arm of UP Manila, in Palo, Leyte; Roxas City, Capiz; and Guiuan, Samar. The first medical and relief mission was deployed on November 18-21, 2013 in Palo, Leyte led by Pahinungod Manila Director Eric Talens. The 21-person team was composed of UP Manila and UP Visayas-Tacloban volunteers, UP College of Medicine alumni, and doctors from the Philippine General Hospital and East Avenue Medical Center. Moreover, five members of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, Inc. helped in the distribution of relief goods. According to Dr. Talens' report published in the unit's Facebook account, the Palo mission was designed to “deliver relief to the community and UP constituents in Leyte, provide medical and surgical services needed in the immediate post-disaster period, and help evacuate UP constituents who need to be extricated to a safer, and more habitable location.” Pahinungod was able to conduct around 500 consultations based on the medicines dispensed. The report also stated that the team was able to distribute 1500 family relief packs, which contained repacked rice, canned goods, instant noodles, instant coffee, candles, matches, biscuits, candies and chocolates, bottled water, and water purification tabs, in eco-friendly bags. In addition, 400 sleeping mats, 400 mosquito nets, and 993 hygiene kits with bath soap, toothpaste, cotton balls/buds, face towel, toothbrush, toilet paper, sanitary napkin, diaper, alcohol, and betadine were provided to families who survived Yolanda's wrath. Furthermore, the team gave out 120 coloring books, 120 packs of crayons, and 120 toys to children survivors. According to the latest report from SHS Palo, all its 179 students and 56 faculty and staff are safe, and efforts are still ongoing to move the remaining members to safer places. However, from UP Visayas-Tacloban College, the report of one student who died during the havoc, saddened the whole UP community. In a statement, UP President Alfredo Pascual called on the University community to render all possible financial assistance and emotional encouragement to Erica Cressia Antonino's family and relatives as they cope with the loss of their loved ones. Pahinungod is overwhelmed with the generosity of its donors and volunteers who helped prepare and repack the relief items. The unit is also grateful to a group of private individuals who provided security assistance to ensure the safety of the volunteers and relief goods. Transport companies Philtranco and JAM Liner provided crew and transportation that brought the team, relief items, and medical supplies to Palo. Furthermore, Pahinungod is thankful to the Iglesia ni Cristo in Palo for allowing the team to encamp in their ground and use their facilities. Another team was recently deployed to Guiuan, Samar on December 3-4 and another in Roxas City, Capiz on December 5-6. (ALC Santos)