Rebuilding Homes and Strengthening Families

 Since the destructive winds and rains of Yolanda made landfall in Leyte and Samar in November 2013, many organizations from across and outside the country have given support to the typhoon victims.  However many continue to be in need of assistance.

To second the Pope to help the poor, Iraya Study Center has been assisting  in the rebuilding of La Paz, Leyte, which suffered crippling loses from the storm.  The outreach plan is composed of 3 phases (April 2015, April 2016 and June 2016). Students and young professionals volunteer their time and money to help this little town in the south of the Philippines.   

Project  activities include rebuilding  of 3 homes;  visiting and counseling   170 families  and providing them medicines and first aid kits;  promoting health and  hygiene skills among 270 poor children. To further reinforce family unity, Phase III will include a session on parenting skills for parents and school officials. 

When asked what she learned from the people she served that day, one volunteer answered," Live life simply and you'll be happy. When others have lost everything, I have no right to complain." ​​Landa Murillo, one of the  beneficiaries, said," Not even in my dreams did I think of having a house as beautiful as this.  I thank God for making  Opus Dei an instrument to help poor people like us." ​