Surfing instructors affected by Typhoon Odette in Siargao receive aid from GMA Kapuso Foundation

Surfing instructors in Siargao were among the over 2,400 beneficiaries who received aid from the GMA Kapuso Foundation following the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

As the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines" suffered from the destruction caused by the typhoon in December, they lost not just their homes but also their livelihoods.

"Five hours lang, wala na lahat—pati turista tapos 'yung mga bahay namin sira-sira na," said Jayuard Alceso.

["In just five hours, everything is gone—the tourists, and even our homes were damaged."]

So far, the instructors and their families have been relying on aid to help them survive in the aftermath of the typhoon.

"Hirap na kaming kumita ng pangkain," Benladin Arjona said. "Sana makita nila tapos matulungan kami nila lahat dito para sabay kami lahat aahon para babangon 'yung Siargao."

["We are having a difficult time earning money to buy food. I hope they see us and help us all here so we can rise together and Siargao can recover."]

The GMA Kapuso Foundation returned to Siargao for the third wave of their Operation Bayanihan project, distributing food packs and hygiene kits in the municipalities of General Luna and Santa Monica.

To those who wish to send help, GMA Kapuso Foundation accepts donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, Shopee, GCash, PayMaya, Zalora, Mega Mart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website.

—MGP, GMA News