Next Day Better: Hacking Solutions to #RebuildPH

NEW YORK CITY – After major disasters, the standard advice is to fundraise and donate large sums of money to relief agencies. There is a creative and resounding alternative. Through outside the box thinking and smart technology, we can create solutions that build more resilient communities that can better withstand natural disasters.

The challenge is to go beyond the “now,” and imagine solutions that address the needs of natural disaster prone communities 10-years down the line. There is a huge and exciting opportunity to rethink and innovate relief and rebuilding efforts for communities affected by mega storms such as Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda).

Our Creative Challenge

Our challenge? “How might we build a more resilient Philippines?” In New York City and Toronto, instead of donating funds, the NextDayBetter community and many others invested their energy, time and talents in designing and hacking solutions that will help in the long term rebuilding process of the Philippines.

In this video, NextDayBetter Design Gurus, Carissa Feria and Renjie Batulid share what these solutions can look like and the challenge we posed at our New York City and Toronto Hackathons. 

The Reality 

The desire and intent of the global community to help nations wrought by natural disasters like the Philippines are incredibly powerful. In the case of communities affected by Typhoon Haiyan, local economies were destroyed, millions were displaced, schooling was disrupted, basic infrastructures were damaged and more.

While rapid response in the form of medical drives or fundraisers are incredibly important, more often than not, these responses do not position affected communities for success and sustainability in the long run.

Compassion fatigue sets in over time. Social network news feeds go back to normal and fundraisers become less potent with drained pockets – thus bringing less attention to the growing needs of affected communities. Entrepreneurs and problem solvers have taken up the challenge to invent solutions that address these complex needs.

This Hacking Solutions to #RebuildPH series showcases the entrepreneurs, scientists, makers and creatives who have seized the opportunity to rethink and innovate relief and rebuilding efforts in the Philippines and beyond.  In the wake of mega storm Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda), this series highlights disruptive and impactful solutions that will create a better future for affected communities.

What impactful solution to #RebuildPH do you like? Tell us on twitter: @NextDayBetter – Press Release/Rappler.com

About: NextDayBetter is a culture platform that builds and activates diaspora communities to create a better future. We believe that diasporas like the Philippines global community are hubs and inspirations for social innovation, incredible design, and world changing ideas. We bring these doers and change makers together to share their stories and make the next day better.

For more information on NextDayBetter, visit our official website at http://www.nextdaybetter.com/.