Child survivors of Typhoon Yolanda begin healing through art 

Art therapy proved to be an effective way to deal with the trauma that children in the Visayas are experiencing after Yolanda.
 

An art exhibit was set up at the Globe Tower by Project Rainbow during the anniversary of the super typhoon. It showcased drawings done by children, which were based on photographs by Sid Maderazo—photographs that depicted the aftermath of Yolanda.

Some of the photos include the church that lost its roof in Palo, Leyte, the University of the Philippines Tacloban, and a ship that ground its way into the city. These images still haunt the typhoon victims, but for some, they are the images that will allow them to heal.

 

The idea originated from Joseph Ong, founder of Project Rainbow.

"What would happen kaya if we gave black and white photos to children and we give them crayons?" he said in a Balitanghali video Saturday.

 

The children were given the same set of photographs, but the results varied—every color and stroke reflected what the victim was feeling. 

 

"It's a destroyed house but then...there's a rainbow, there's a lot of love," Ong said as he examined one artwork. 

 

Some of the children did not merely color in the photos, but rather, drew in what was missing and what they were looking for.

 

Ong presented an example of such a case.

"This is probably the most disturbing, because the kid didn't even touch it, she just drew on the empty space." He added, "Then what I noticed was they see beyond they negative. Parang, a lot of them would automatically draw a sun or a cloud."


Therapeutic art

 

According to the group, Project Rainbow is not just a creative experiment, but also a form of art therapy.  

 

"By doing this, you're letting them express themselves, to see something positive," Ong said.

 

Psychologist Jacquiline Ruiz from the Children's Rehabilitation Center explained that it is vital that the traumatized victims release their emotions. It is only then that they can figure out what caused the trauma, and what can help them ease the trauma.

 

Art therapy is usually for those who are not able, or are not willing, to talk about what they have gone through.

 

"'Di ka nakaka-comprehend ng mga bagay pa, parang kalat-kalat yung pag-iisip when you feel anxious," said Ruiz.

 

Art allows those who find it difficult to speak about their experiences, to express themselves, and return to a state that is familiar and trustworthy.

 

"Kapag dinrawing nila yun ...parang feeling ng mga bata na safe sila eh, kasi dun mo lang siya makikita, di mo naman siya directly sasabihin," says Ruiz. 

 

Drawing and coloring on paper are but some of the many ways art therapy is applied. Victims can opt for painting, sculpture, or theater. 

 

The children's artworks are submitted to the experts who know what they have gone through and will guide them through the process of healing. — Jessica Bartolome/VC, GMA News