By Haydee Awayan
In the wake of Super Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013, which devastated countless coastal communities, I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the destruction and the heartbreaking stories of loss. Entire towns were flattened, families displaced, and lives forever changed. Like so many others, I couldn’t sit idly by. I began searching for groups or opportunities to contribute, even in the smallest way. Then, while scrolling through social media, I stumbled upon a heartfelt plea from a group of friends who had decided to take action. They were pooling their resources—pots, pans, ingredients, and sheer determination—to prepare hot meals for survivors.
These survivors, flown to Villamor Air Base via military C-130 planes from Tacloban City, were seeking refuge in makeshift shelters. Inspired by their initiative and the power of collective effort, I knew I had found my way to help.
Without formal structure, funding, or logistics support, we shared only a common goal—to bring warmth and sustenance to those in dire need. Word of our efforts quickly spread, and others joined the cause. Donations poured in from friends, relatives, neighbors, and even strangers who wanted to support our mission. Social media became a powerful tool for rallying volunteers and spreading the word. What began as a simple act of kindness in the aftermath of a tragedy snowballed into a collective movement that began to fill a critical gap in disaster response.
A need for structured approach
The impact of that event inspired us to formalize our efforts. Recognizing the need for a structured approach, I, along with other volunteers, registered a nonprofit organization under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2016. Thus, F.E.E.D. Philippines Inc. (Food for Empowerment in Emergencies and Disasters Philippines Inc.) was born and has grown into a fully established and respected organization focused on providing hot, nutritious meals to communities in need during and after natural disasters, calamities, and emergencies.
Recognizing that collaboration is key to maximizing impact, F.E.E.D. has built strong partnerships with various stakeholders. Local governments and disaster response agencies provide logistical support, while private corporations contribute funding and resources. Educational institutions and civic groups often volunteer manpower, creating a sense of shared responsibility.
Beyond providing immediate relief, F.E.E.D. focuses on building long-term resilience by conducting training sessions and community development initiatives after each mission. These include creating community gardens to enhance food security and teaching communities how to prepare affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate meals using locally available ingredients, fostering self-reliance during crises. Our teams of volunteers work tirelessly in mobile kitchens, often braving harsh conditions to reach remote areas.
We are also expanding our “Alay sa Mag-Aaral” project, which began with a simple donation of encyclopedias. This initiative supports far-flung and impoverished schools across the country by providing complete school supplies, garden tools, sports equipment, and establishing libraries to foster learning. We are also committed to creating more scholarship opportunities, building on the success of programs first launched in Ifugao and Cagsiay in Quezon.
We will proudly continue our “Share a Meal” initiative, a heartfelt tradition that began in 2016 with a humble sack of rice donation. Every Dec. 24, this program brings hope and warmth to street children, homeless individuals along Roxas Boulevard, and patients at the Philippine General Hospital, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, and Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Hospital.
The activity includes distributing hygiene packs and food supplies, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts, free haircut, unlimited ice cream and cotton candy for kids, and games, making it a festive celebration for everyone. This tradition ensures that no one eats alone on Christmas Eve (Noche Buena), offering not just a meal but a sense of care and belonging. Over the years, these people have become like family to us. I’ve had the privilege of watching these young children grow—seeing their excitement every year is a powerful reminder of why we do this.
Stories of survival
It’s these very stories—stories of loss, survival, and unimaginable hardship—that inspire us to continue doing what we do. There was the woman who lost her family to a typhoon yet found the strength to smile when she received a warm meal. The child, hungry for days, who lit up with joy when they finally tasted their first hot meal after a calamity. The farmer, whose crops were swallowed by floodwaters, grieving the loss of his livelihood. The students in Quezon, who had never tasted taho, and that student in Ifugao, carefully wrapping the school supplies we gave him to keep them dry on his way home in the rain.
We do this not just for the meals, but for the dignity, the hope, and the warmth we bring in times of despair.
(Haydee Awayan is a FEED volunteer, an advocate for communities in need, and a single mother to two boys.)