Netizens send love to Brandon Boyd for Yolanda fundraiser

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino fans sent their love to Brandon Boyd through social media after the Incubus frontman announced the success of their online fundraiser that benefitted survivors of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan).

“I just wanted to say a quick thank you to all of you who donated to our Philippines fundraising,” Boyd said in a video posted at RYOT.org.

While he spoke, the video transitioned to images of the disaster and recovery efforts. Fishermen were shown carrying boats marked with the name of the “news + action” website RYOT.

“Typhoon Haiyan was a huge disaster, your response has been absolutely incredible and we can’t thank you enough,” the singer said. He then narrated how their band has been working with RYOT to supply medical aid, boats and shelter to Filipino typhoon survivors.

On social media, netizens sent their love to Boyd and others who organized the fundraiser.

“Thank you, Incubus. We love you,” said one fan on Twitter. Another user said, “Mahal na mahal kita (I love you so much).”

The comments section of the YouTube video has similarly been flooded by words of gratitude.

RYOT said the group was able to raise $100,000. A quarter of the amount was sent to Doctors without Borders and another to Waves for Water. The remaining $50,000 was used to build boats for fishermen in the town of Guiuan.

The coastal municipality of Guiuan, like the rest of Samar and other nearby provinces, was devastated by storm surges that washed out whole communities. Months after “Yolanda” struck the country, survivors are still struggling to regain their livelihood or seek alternative jobs.

In addition to the more than 6,000 people killed, “Yolanda” also damaged P20.3-billion worth of crops, livestock, fisheries, irrigation facilities and other agriculture infrastructure.

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