Tacloban in the Philippines – survivors of last month’s typhoon Haiyan have become used to living among the ruins…<br /><br />But it is Christmas time and with 90 percent of Filipinos being Christian, NGOs are trying to put a smile back on the faces of the children.<br /><br /> Leoniza Morales of World Vision said:<br />“ During this disaster they experienced fear and trauma. And we want them to have a sense of normality. We want to help them to process their feelings, emotions. We have given them some creative activities.”<br /><br />But Tacloban was the Philippine city that suffered the worst devastation from the super typhoon, which killed more than 6,000 and affected the lives of 11 million.<br /><br />Mothers lost their children, children lost their mothers – no family was untouched by the disaster and thoughts of tinsel and Christmas lights are a long way down the list of priorities.<br /><br />For the adults, rebuilding their homes is the main priority – they would then at least have something to decorate next year.<br /><br />Even so a handout of donated Christmas presents organised by the government provided a welcome relief. However, most Filipinos say they are putting their trust in international help to pull them out of their misery.
