When typhoon Yolanda struck the Visayas region of the Philippines on November 8, 2013, NVC Foundation was a small, provincial organization with humble goals and limited resources–but blessed with a base of spirited, enterprising, never-say-die staff and volunteers. In the aftermath of the supertyphoon, we gained greater prominence through our existing initiatives. Mingo Meals, NVC’s nutrition-packed instant powder sachets, normally used for NVC’s feeding program for infants and toddlers, were used as emergency food for the survivors of the typhoon. The Peter Project, NVC’s livelihood program originally designed to provide boats to fishermen’s helpers for a higher daily income, was quickly diverted to furnish replacements to fishermen whose boats and sources of livelihood were destroyed by the storm.  

Over P100M in total Yolanda donations as of October 2014

We could not have imagined this time last year, as we were frantically juggling queries and pledges through Facebook, email, and mobile phones, that NVC Foundation would eventually become responsible for a total amount of Php106.18 million in donations (as of October 31, 2014) from individuals and institutions all over the world. Following is an accounting of donations received and funds disbursed:   [table to follow]   We have received donations for 4,222 Peter Project boats, of which 3,953 have been delivered to beneficiary fishermen.  

Achievements of other NVC projects

Aside from Yolanda funds, NVC has continued with its other initiatives. Following is the status of its other projects.     This video shows the progress of NVC and its projects since its inception in 2010. This was first shown when NVC received the Outstanding Negrense Award on November 5, 2014 from Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr.  

Still relying on the power of ordinary citizens

While NVC has scaled up in terms of its projects, target beneficiaries, areas of coverage in the Philippines, and donor base, we remain a foundation powered by volunteerism. NVC is truly testament to the power of ordinary citizens working together to institute lasting positive change in their communities, towns and cities, provinces, and their country.