Singapore, 26 October 2018 - Inspired by the survivors’ strength and resilience, the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) is launching a commemorative photo exhibition, Bangon. Arise. Stories of Hope & Resilience, at The Cathay, from 2 - 4 November 2018, to share the impact of rebuilding projects on survivors, five years after the widespread devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan (known as Super Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines).

The photo exhibition features previously untold survivors’ stories from 12 rebuilding projects funded and rebuilt by the Singapore Red Cross across Cebu, Palawan, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Samar, Eastern Samar and Leyte, as well as rehabilitation projects in other regions affected by Typhoon Ketsana and Typhoon Bopha in 2009 and 2012 respectively. The showcase also features a series of seven heartwarming short films produced by students from ITE College East, School of Electronics & Info-Comm Technology.

Noting that the contributions were modest given the scale of the disaster, Mr Benjamin William, Secretary General and CEO, shared, “The People of Singapore entrusted us with S$12 million in donations for communities affected by Typhoon Haiyan, and I am happy to report that we have delivered on our promise to build back better, through projects in health, education, housing and community, throughout the Philippines. We have provided homes for thousands of families and restarted vital services that continue to enhance the lives of the affected communities. We have come to realise that the rebuilding projects mean a lot more to the survivors than we could ever comprehend.”

Philippines Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore, H.E. Joseph Del Mar Yap, also shared, “As we look back on Typhoon Haiyan, we would like to thank the international community for its unwavering support and assistance. We also pledge to continue to work towards addressing the challenges posed by climate changes and to redouble our efforts to develop resiliency and better disaster risk management.”

Behind the lens

A collaborative effort by seven photojournalists and six youth film-makers, Bangon. Arise. showcases the power of humanity, the early recovery efforts, and the thoughtful efforts to ‘build back better,’ across projects in 87 affected communities, positively impacting 1.5 million lives. For Doreen Tan and Wong Leong Jeam - this was a meaningful ‘return trip’, having been deployed to the Philippines during the emergency response phase. Doreen was part of the first (advance) SRC team deployed to Ormoc, whilst Leong Jeam had led one of three medical teams in 2013. For most of the youth videographers, this was their first overseas trip, and one that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Highlights

Special Guest, Mr Victorio Mario M Dimagiba, Jr, Deputy Head of Mission / Minister and Consul General at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, will open the public exhibition on 2 November (Friday) at 4pm. Seasoned media personality Timothy Go, will be the master-of-ceremony. Timothy had led Channel NewsAsia’s coverage of Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban back in 2013.

To engage Filipinos residing in Singapore and to attract visitors to the exhibition, the exhibition features cultural performances such as Pasadoble (Spanish-inspired Philippine folkdance) and Higaonon (ethnic tribal dance), as well as interactive fringe activities and traditional games such as sungka. Singapore-based Filipino a cappella group Vocablends will perform on Saturday, 3 November at 5pm whilst Celebrity Showhost, Recording Artiste and Rockstar, Pamela Wildheart will make a guest appearance on Sunday, 4 November at 4pm.

Seven Decades of Serving Humanity, Saving Lives

There will be a special showcase of SRC’s local humanitarian services, in celebration of its 70 years of service to humanity. Singapore Red Cross ambassadors and volunteer leaders will be on hand to share their experiences and cause-involvement opportunities, to recruit more people onboard the lifesaving mission of SRC.

SRC’s thrift store, Shop@RedCross is selling funpacks at the exhibition. Priced at S$5 each, the funpacks will contain an assortment of gifts, such as photo frames, keychains and mugs. The Singapore Red Cross Academy will also be onsite to share first aid tips and sell first aid kits. All sales proceeds will fund SRC local humanitarian services.

There will also be a video showcase on the Red Cross Movement’s climate change campaign, #ClimateREDI #ForOurKids.