This Christmas will be one of despair for almost two-thirds of our country devastated by the super typhoon. Let us show a deeper sense of priority and pour our material gifts towards areas that need it most, especially those that were already among the poorest in the country.

Let us scale down on the shopping and instead give each other hand-made gifts and GIFTS OF DEEDS. (I'm thinking of pledging two hours a week to teach voice to talented but poor students and pledging exclusive bonding time with my daughter and son.)

Instead, donate to the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD), the Philippine Red Cross, the different media relief organizations and NGOs and POs doing relief.

Then let's post receipts on one website -- not for individual boasting, but so that we, as a people, can proclaim our unity in helping our brothers and sisters in need.

(Photo image by @Kirstenmildren Asia Pacific Regional Public Information Office, UN OCHA)

http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate LIST OF OTHER RELIEF CONDUITS HERE: http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/disasters/43300-reliefph-victims-typhoon-yolanda-help