Nelson Morales

Photo from the Youth Ambassadors of Albay

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ART and AID

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760335367100ALBAY.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Art and aid: &#x27;Opong&#x27; kid survivors channel recovery through creativity"/>Photo from the Youth Ambassadors of Albay ProvinceIn the wake of Typhoon Opong’s devastation in Masbate, it was not just food and relief packs that reached affected families; it was also hope, color and creativity brought by the youth.</div>The Youth Ambassadors of Albay Province (YAAP), a youth group, launched an outreach mission in Calipat-an, San Jacinto, Ticao Island, Masbate, assisting 100 families and 50 children last October 10.Alongside distributing essential goods such as food, clothing, and hygiene kits, the group introduced an &quot;art relief&quot; program designed to uplift children through drawing and creative activities, offering them a moment of positivity amid the ruins.In groups, they created and colored drawings of their shared experiences and painted hands for artwork.“Beyond distributing goods, we wanted to let them know that they were not forgotten — that people care. Through art, we saw their smiles return. The gratitude we received reminded us that hope can be restored even in the most difficult times,” the group shared.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FabscbnNEWS%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02FpFqKUs9DAyRFpzHi8xMvF45pJRtkMw7KC6YUKUWUE2EoXYgx7cUH5o7uXnrEGELl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="710" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>The Art Relief for Children became the heart of the YAAP&#x27;s relief program, the group said, adding this gave young survivors a safe space to express themselves.“As fellow Bicolanos, we felt a strong sense of solidarity. We knew the hardships they were facing could easily happen to any of us. That shared connection inspired us to take action and extend assistance, no matter how small, to help them recover,&quot; said YAAP executive chairman Christopher M. Nocos.The volunteers managed to reach the island despite logistical challenges such as rough seas and damaged routes.“True leadership is rooted in compassion and action,” they said.“Helping our fellow Bicolanos in their time of need was far more important than the risks and difficulties along the way. Art and aid together gave them more than relief — it gave them hope.”At least 18 were reported dead in Masbate following the onslaught of Opong, the province among those worst hit.For the YAAP, relief work is not only about rebuilding homes, but also about restoring spirit.By combining aid with art, the group reminded Masbateños — especially the children — that even after a storm, there is space for healing, creativity, and hope.

In the wake of Typhoon Opong’s devastation in Masbate, it was not just food and relief packs that reached affected families — it was also hope, color and creativity brought by the youth.

In the wake of Typhoon Opong’s devastation in Masbate, it was not just food and relief packs that reached affected families — it was also hope, color and creativity brought by the youth.

Art and aid: 'Opong' kid survivors channel recovery through creativity

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Art and aid: 'Opong' kid survivors channel recovery through creativity

Winkie Bernaldez

Published Oct 13, 2025 02:22 PM PHT

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Opong

Typhoon Opong

Youth Ambassadors of Albay Province

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