My friend and correspondent there, Rev Shay Cullen, is a member of Columban Missionary Society and has served there for some thirty years or more. He has done remarkable work in rescuing and rehabilitating children and young people, from brothels, sex-bars, prisons and various addictions. He publishes regular bulletins in the media of Philippines, Hong…
On my return to Leyte, I was unsure what to expect. The island was the most affected by Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013 and on my last visit in February 2014, the population were still in shock. Beyond the main streets debris still covered land and buildings; huge shops thrown onto the…
The people of South East Asia are among the most friendly, tolerant and hard working people in the world. Yet, this region has been plagued with conflicts for decades. Exploited by European powers, occupied by Japan, carpet-bombed by the USA and led by hideous dictators, most of the region has suffered too much…
After arriving in the Philippines and a day of briefings with my hosts Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) Bahaginan and Beyond 2015, I will spend the weekend in Tacloban on the island of Leyte. This is where Typhoon Haiyan caused most damage in November 2013, killing over 6000 across the Eastern Philippines and displacing 400,000. I…
