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Written by: Gaby Capule, Pepper Elipse, and Julio Gatchalian, Edited by: Lae Canosa and Trisha Ching
Art by: Julio Gatchalian, Edited by: Elj Canapi
It would be an understatement to say that these are trying times we have today. The pandemic and consequent lockdowns have been tough on all of us physically, emotionally, socially, and economically. Thus, it is now more than ever when we need to turn our attention to the continued hardships experienced by our fellow Filipinos and to help out in any way we can. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Though some of us may be willing to help, we struggle because we are not aware of other forms of useful assistance besides monetary donations. While donating is certainly a great starting point, if you're worried that you can't keep lending a hand without breaking the bank, allow us to introduce other ways to support the community!
1.) Making a Mark: MissingMaps
Even though the world seems to have been navigated and explored to its fullest extent, there are always new things popping up around us. In the pandemic, getting to know what and where places of utmost importance are located is a must—these include hospitals, pharmacies, smaller-scale clinics, and safe spaces for all members of society, especially the vulnerable.
MissingMaps is a systematized organization that connects the mapping service "OpenStreetMap", regular local volunteers, and DRRM humanitarian organizations in helping enhance mapping technology to save lives and help the community. By volunteering to be a local contributor, you can map from the comfort of your home using free, open-sourced satellite technology to scout for new locations through the image and mark them accordingly. MissingMaps also has a page dedicated to teaching beginners how to map, which makes learning easier than ever before.
You can map from the comfort of your home using free, open-sourced satellite technology to scout for new locations through the image and mark them accordingly.
Mapping is often overlooked in thinking about community welfare, but in the time of a lockdown, where looking for places may not be as safe as before, the community benefits from having exact locations of their needs at their fingertips.
To know more, you can visit their official website: https://www.missingmaps.org.