Typhoon Haiyan was one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded, devastating portions of Southeast Asia – particularly the Philippines – in early November 2013.
PADI Five Star Dive Resort, Sea Explorers from Alona Beach, Malapascua, Philippines wrote to PADI recently with extremely good news of the redevelopment that has since taken place in their local area and the official opening of the Sea Vida Village. The village has been built from the donations of friends and guests of Malapascua.
Sea Vida Village – 1 year later.
Dear PADI Team,
Following our request for help in November 2013, you and many more responded immediately. You placed your full trust in us with your generous support.
November 8, 2014, exactly one year later, we are a big step further.
34 families have received a new home in the new Village ‘Sea Vida’ as named by its residents. The village became a reality and fully alive with its grateful and appreciating residents. Each house is equipped with its own small veranda and toilet connected to a general septic tank.
Children are happily playing in the shade of the roofs of their new homes. Laughter coming out of houses is filling the air accompanied by music here and there. Also some roosters have found a new home and are competing in ‘who’s crowing the most impressive’ every morning. Small colorful gardens are being set up around the houses and make the village a truly charming place.
One year ago it was an empty piece of land which has been transferred through your support into a place of life and happiness.
It is the wish of the families living in the village to have a Fiesta “celebration” every year on November 8 to remember the story of this place you all have created.
We had the honor of having the Swiss Ambassador, Ivo Sieber present, who travelled solely from Manila to Malapascua for this occasion, which made everyone very proud.
We hereby want to express how grateful we all are and how much we appreciate what you have done to help the victims of this devastating catastrophe. With combined efforts this amazing project was made possible and all residents of Sea Vida as well as all the Ocean Vida and Sea Explorers Staff say: ‘THANK YOU DEAR FRIENDS’
We all wish that one day you will visit us in Malapascua and in Sea Vida. You will always be very welcome!
For more information about Sea Explorers, visit their website at: www.sea-explorers.com
Photo 1: The children of Sea Vida Village, Malapascua.
Photo 2: Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Ivo Sieber travelled from Manila to Malapascua and back to be part of the official opening of the Sea Vida Village.
