OUT OF REACH?
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| The many faces of the aftermath brought by formidable typhoon Yolanda in Albuera |
When the killer typhoon Yolanda
struck the Philippines, the nation weeps.
Everyone is well aware of how severe the devastation was. Repercussion is
indeed far beyond human imaginable. Such catastrophe is upsetting,
heartbreaking. As the casualty is so enormous, there’s no reason not to mourn for
these victims. Yes, we feel their loss
and misery but their actual experience during the storm incursion is quite
unthinkable. For those who have lived to tell the story, absolutely it is a
nightmare. Like hearing the stories of slashing-bladed gusts of winds
lambasting every single kind of edifice before your eyes is frightening enough.
Be of concrete, woods, iron, etc., no exemption. Just envisaging the urban
enfolded with enormous floods, and that people are dying while others
struggling to survive braving the rushing storm surge - truly heart melting.
All eyes of the world are in our
grieving nation. Pity but people extend their helps unconditionally. From rich
allied countries, various organizations, influential individuals and celebrity
icons down to ordinary ones whom never get tired of raising funds, never
hesitate helping our weeping people.
In spite of an overwhelming aid,
it’s disappointing to hear that reliefs were not equally distributed to the
country side victims especially to the isolated towns and depressed
communities. Many are complaining that they never received enough rations of
food, basic assistance and other services from the government; that some
agencies and involved personalities are being suspected of hoarding the goods
and limit the distributions should for the victims.
The total collapsed of
transportation and shutdown of communication facilities is understandable.
Nevertheless it should not be the main reason to neglect the sufferings that
they’re already tired of their loss and now starving, whom already homeless and
needed safer shelter on the ground and whom already sick needing immediate
medicines.
The national government itself
admitted that they failed to act swiftly. The prepared system for emergency
response during disasters and calamities is futile as they underestimated the
full extent of the typhoon’s wrath. Obviously they are victims too. It leaves
us no choice but to accept it because this is not the time blaming our
government. Let’s stop criticizing one another although they’re still
responsible and accountable. Let’s just help the government and reconsider that
they are doing the best of everything they can to stabilize the whole situation
back to its normal state. And that the leaders and officials of the Local
Government Unit are using all the man-power and resources to help and serve
their constituents.
However, politics has no place to
play fool around especially during this tremendous crisis. It’s intolerable, unforgivable. Those evil-hearted corrupts do not have a place to play
hide and sick and brouhahas. Although we want to smash their twisted heads but
it’s definitely just a waste of our time.
There are still a lot of victims
out there who still needs help and care. Let’s extend our hands to them. For
now sympathy is not enough, never enough, it need actions! A selfless attention is what they deserve
most. In your act of helping them, they won’t be out of reach.
IT’S NOT TOO LATE…
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| Photo Courtesy of Marichel Igana |
At this point in time, a full
recovery is yet too far as besieged by the devastating storm. Although not only had it destroyed houses and
infrastructures, but also the stain and trauma brought by this misfortune to
the victims. Though foreign
aid assistance continuously pouring from every corners of the world, but this is
not a guarantee for an immediate boost on our country’s back to its normal
state.
Indeed, many dreams were shattered
but it doesn’t mean that we should give up and stop on picking those broken
dreams and build it again. We are known to be the strongest people in times of
tragedy. We have an innate strengths and a heart of steel that can triumphed
every difficult challenges in life. It’s within our nature we can put up a good
fight unto the most tough and grim situation just to survive. Resilient is as
we are known for during hard times. We have “the indomitable human spirit at its finest” (CNN).
It’s not too late to extend our hands in helping
our countrymen. No amount or item is too
small nor too big. That can go further. Even in our own little ways, yes we
can. Be it in our skills, talents and true service, we can surely donate these
by giving our time and effort. Even in a simple fervent prayer, we are already
helping them even in far, uplifting their downhearted spirits, and hopeless and
helpless soul. With these, it’s enough inspiration for our crying fellows to
stand up, start again and live with a smile. It is in the simple act of giving
that we can resonate the true spirit of humanity.
Typhoon Onslaught
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| Photo courtesy from google.com |
Everyone is well aware of how
terrifying the storm-surge was. Seeing the coverage in the television news, it
was totally dreadful and heart-melting. It was Friday morning of November 8 of
this year, the day of the landfall of killer typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) said to
be stronger than hurricane Katrina and Sandy that hit some state in the US, flashfloods swept through
the city of Tacloban, claiming the lives of thousand people. The ludicrous
howling wind slashing every single structure in the city is horrendous and
terrorizing.
But in not-a-known town in Leyte,
the Municipality of Albuera was also seriously hurt shattered by this ferocious
typhoon. Just like any other towns in the province, people out there seem
helpless in the aftermath. Many infrastructures were destroyed, daily economic
activities were shutdown, the communication significantly collapsed,
electricity fell down, and transportation is delayed and supply of basic
commodities ran-out. Consequently, basic
services rendered by the Local Government Unit were greatly hampered and
paralyzed.
This huge catastrophe totally
affected everyone. Houses left roofless and some are homeless, totally
wiped-out. Fishing boats totally wrecked, smashed out by the winds, severely
destroyed and swallowed by the sea. As
the days go by, thirst and hunger is gradually felt. Food and water supply is
badly needed. Health is threatened and at risk.
Children and elderlies are beginning to get sick and ill.
Though the LGU is trying their best
to immediately respond the every need of the townspeople, but the full extent
of the storm annihilation limits their maximum efforts.
This is how disheartening the
situation really is. Tear-jerking
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| leaning fate... |
"It is in the act of kindness that we
can mend the broken"
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| Asking your heart to give and help... |
Marichel Igana of Barangay Balugo,
now residing in Belgium felt the urgent need of helping her fellow “kababayans”
in every way she can as she was also desperately worried on her immediate
family residing in Balugo II whom got experienced the scary typhoon too. She lost contact during the hours of ferocious
natural attack. Her way of updating the situation of her home place was
searching the web of latest news. The upshot was somehow depressing and
worrisome.
Her resounding prayers heard and
got a positive response from a closed friend Bhello Oclarit Erazo also from
Belgium. In their Facebook page’s post, both called for help by asking
donations from friends and relatives all over.
They organized fund raising event through
selling “lumpia” food at their community nearby, which also supported by the
Filipino-Belgian Community. The turned-out was incredible.
As all proceeds will be for Yolanda’s
victims, providing medicines for the sickly and needy was the deciding “cause”
should disposed in Barangay Balugo’s community. Ms. Bhello contacted her
younger sister in the Philippines Irene Lou O. Erazo in Iligan City who
happened to be a registered nurse and asked if she could organized a medical
mission intended for the said affected area. Without further hesitations, Ms.
Irene positively responded the call and even very eager as well fulfilling this
important mission.
Looking for Good
Samaritans
Bhello and Marichel’s generosity
aside, Ms. Irene also took the opportunity and initiative of asking donations
from different people and associates she knew. From established doctors, school
teachers, relatives, former colleagues, former classmates, high school batch-mates,
Facebook friends, down to neighbors, she solicited cash and medicines be
brought in Albuera. The turn-out was remarkable as everyone had this willingness
extending their hands for the victims.
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| Straight from the kindhearted one. Thank you! |
Good Samaritans are always around.
In times like this, you can truly find the kindest people even in the most
difficult period of time. Every one has the very own reason to be kind. It’s
neither big nor small, every bit of help counts.
The 4-Trailblazers:
Up-closed and Personal
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| From Left: Chuy, Little NiÑo, Irene Lou, Brian, Peejay |
The Kind of Guys:
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| Brian: Rock & Roll dude! |
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| Peejay: The Macho-Man |
PETER JOHN O. ERAZO
is not a neophyte in helping out other people during difficult times and
tragedy. During the ill-fated Typhoon Sendong that claimed so many lives in
Iligan City, he was actively aiding the victims and survivors in the best way
he can to help. Together with his peer groups, they offered foods to the hungry,
gave water to the thirsty, and helped rebuilding their wrecked homes and
shelters. Many things we don’t know about PJ's but describing him simply, he is
by nature helpful and caring. Truly, a “macho-man” in heart, in mind, and in body of his owned
right, all by his owned way. So much passion and love with basketball game that
sometimes, if not always, bring him down from least serious to grave injuries, he is a bad-ass certified
veteran online gamer. Maybe he dominates or should we say, clever tactician who conquer this field but hey, 'never heard this guy being defeated in on-line games per se. If you want to, try him... More so, PJ loves gadgets. He is the guy of latest who
even knows information about new innovations that’s not even yet out in the
market. Just ask him what’s the latest gizmo and you’ll get what you ask for.
Even something that you want or don’t want to have, he’s the right guy for you...
No wonder he is a skilled graphic designer and web developer. It’s Peejay -
the good guy, a clever guy. He serves, he delivers.
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| The 'pamati lang" photographer |
BLAIR L. TAYLARAN,
Chuy
is the nickname. The group’s photographer from Marawi City now residing at
Clarin, Misamis Occidental. That’s all! Period.
FOURSOME IN FOUR-POSE (Four Purposes)
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| 4-Trailblazers visiting Ormoc boulevard |
JOURNEY Begins…
We were unstoppable!
Afternoon of November 15. With so
much delayed on the schedule due to some unavoidable circumstances, at last we
did pushed the trip. Constraint of time seems pressured us in chasing the boat
that aboard in Cagayan de Oro port bound to Cebu. Many factors play around
inevitably. Bit of worries led at the back of our heads. Fear to be left
on-time schedule, but still we believe that the ethos of the mission was at the
top of our mind more than anything else. So we rushed as fast as we could. We’d
even asked the jeepney and taxi
drivers to pass-by the nearest and fastest en route as possible. Honestly, we
never felt the hefty weights of our stuffs and bulky luggage stocked of with
medicines just to arrive in time.
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| Trans-Asia Line on-board: Haggard yet still goofy |
Our too many worries bid at least for a while. Bright smiles written again in our strenuous faces as we finally manage to step whilst on-board. All in all, it was a bumpy and rushed yet a safe land trip.
CDO – Cebu
Trans-Asia line leaved Cagayan de oro port around 8:00
PM. While we placed and organized our luggage at conference room we reserved,
we savor the time of chit-chatting our early first rushed-hour expedition and yet we
find time laughing out of it. From the most compact-stuff to the bulkiest bags,
the hefty weighs never ceased us.
Much had been said but it’s very unlikely,
we'd predicted worst scenarios about the place that we were head in mission, Albuera. With
all honesty from the four of us, though with a soul of adventurism, fears and
anxiety created in our minds on how it’s gonna be whenever we step on that
place. Many questions posed in our thoughts as to how we were going to handle
the situation of to this, in times of that, and everything of to so on and so forth. Our anticipation was much on doubts and qualms
than being optimistic. But for the sake
of helping out, yet we manage filling our hearts with will and guts.
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| Mangaon tah! |
We filled
our stomach to regain our strengths as the most
challenging journey awaited us in Cebu.
Cebu to Ormoc:
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| The lady and the bodyguards?! |
We arrived early morning in
Cebu of November 16. A friend of Ms. Marichel patiently waited us at the seaport
picking up the Ocean Jet craft’s tickets reserved for us bound to city of
Ormoc. Since we arrived early ahead than expected and our schedule was on 11:00
AM going to Ormoc, both Irene and Brian dashed around the business district and
purchased additional supplies that should be brought in our point of
destination.
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| Port's waiting area for Ocean Jet sea craft passengers |
Amongst us also were volunteers from other countries. Thanks to them helping us during this crisis.
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| humanitarian volunteers from other countries. Thanks to you! |
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| Sea craft's on-board... |
As expected, the craft's arrival was delayed but it's worth waiting... Instead of 11 am, we left Cebu's harbor at almost 1 pm.
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| Blue 4-wheel vehicle service going to Albuera |
Marichel’s father, barangay kagawad Tatay Insot and her younger brother, Christian, waited us at the near harbor. With the 4-wheel vehicle service voluntarily offered by one of the barangay official picking us, it was a bit of a relief on the team.
Looking on the severe damaged left by typhoon Yolanda around the city, as expected, it was horrible, pitiful and upsetting. The infrastructures and buildings were totally wrecked. The port were messed, the terminal’s roof were destroyed, business hotels, malls, banks, food establishments, school buildings, hospitals and other launches were sternly struck by the storm.
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| The full extent of typhoon Yolanda (haiyan) in Ormoc City |
On the Road: Municipality of Albuera
As we travel along, many houses
left roofless but most of them were completely wipe-out and left homeless.
Electricity posts and trees were leaning down along the side of the road. As
you look up on the mountains, coconut trees were swept down, almost dead. It’s
like there was an immense deforestation.
In Albuera, the same tragedy
happened… No electricity, scarce of food supply, expensive gasoline, etc. Many
affected people in the streets assembled expecting and waiting for the reliefs
to arrive. Nevertheless, you can still see them smiling and laughing each other
in spite of the most trying times. They survived for a week with very little
food. Yet, you can still feel the true Filipino spirit of hospitality. As we
arrived, the whole Igana Family welcomed us in their humble home.
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| Petrifying! |
Deep inside, we were very eager to hear everyone’s stories on the day of the storm’s obliteration at their town. We want to know how petrifying the typhoon was and how they and their neighbors managed to keep safe on the ground and protect themselves and survived. But we refrain ourselves to do so. Trauma and distress might trigger. We just let them tell us without asking any further… Nevertheless, they displayed great strength and resiliency.
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| Ma'am Ruby Cox's Residence: with us is her Nanay in the house |
Meeting with the Albuera’s Municipal
Administrator
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| Municipal Administrator Ms. V. dela Serna with Brian & Irene Lou |
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| Ms. dela Serna's briefing... |
PUR: Purifier of Water’s Wonders
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| Irene and Angelic pumping water |
Clean water supply in Barangay Balugo is also affected. Their main source was a deep-well pump to sustain their daily consumptions and needs. All they have to do is boil it in long minutes before drinking the water. But this is not enough, numerous people still got sick on diarrhea especially children.
To maximize our time, the group decided
distributing the water purifier to household families as many as possible in
the located barangay. We gave it for those who really need the most. It’s a
powder formed in a sachet that can treat 10 liters of water from any source
such as in a deep-well pump.
Usage of this product does have some restrictions. Clear and precise instructions should be carefully demonstrated and emphasized.
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| Nurse Brian demonstrates how to use of purifier of water |
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| Christian and Angelic helped... |
In Focus: Balugo’s Medical Mission
As per
advised, we visited first the town’s Rural Health Unit (RHU) for formal
authorization and endorsement of the Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Noemi D. Mencido. We were
accompanied by the newly elected and incoming Barangay Captain of Balugo,…
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| With Mayor or Albuera: Hon. Juny dela Serna |
Prior to meet the health officer, the team had the chance and opportunity of meeting Albuera’s good leader facilitating the situation swiftly, Honorable Mayor Juny dela Serna. It was indeed a privilege as this great man honors our presence helping and assisting his constituents in Barangay Balugo through medical mission. In that courtesy, it boosts us and encourages us more to promptly work-out our goal in helping more people whom are in need especially during the hours of tragedy.
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| Dr. Mencido's briefing and consent: with Brian, Irene Lou & Peejay |
In ACTION on the Scene
First Round: Barangay
Balugo 2
With consent and verbal approval,
Dr. Noemi appointed Ms. Marifen Ventula leading the team's mission joining with by Ms.
Carol V. Barte, Ms. Aristea J. Estrera, and the RNHeals Julius Dan Quindao.
To save time, it was decided that the central area for medical mission should
in Igana’s residence since the medicine stocks were ahead prepared. Also joining is the newly elected Barangay Chairwoman of Balugo that lead and facilitated the movement of her constituents at the area.
Stories Caught by the Lenses:
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| Some constituents waiting and preparing to be assessed |
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| Brgy. Chairwoman gave instructions... |
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| Let's take a break guys! re-energizing our strengths is a must... |
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| THE ACTION TEAM: Irene, Ma'am Marifen, Julius Dan, Ma'am Aristea, Peejay, Brian & Chuy |
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| The wacky side on us! |
Second Round: Barangay
Balugo Sentro
It was,
indeed, a great blessing that the team received another financial support. The team
purchased another stocks of medicines from Cebu. So, it happened… The central
area of the second round medical mission was in Ms. Marifen's Residence.
Thanks indeed!
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| Brian, Irene Lou, Ma'am Aristea, Ma'am Carol, Ma'am Rubilyn, Julius Dan, Peejay and Chuy |
Click the link below: It is a 5-minute actual video during medical mission held in Barangay Balugo, Albuera, Leyte. Short but worth to watch. Thanks guys!
Assessment & Summary:
All in
all, we catered and provided basic health care services to almost five hundred
individuals (500) in Barangay Balugo. Medicines were disposed only to those who
felt sick and ill and undergone health assessment by the health team. These
include children, adolescence, adults, pregnant mothers, and senior citizens.
We distributed purifier of water to almost 200 families receiving 5 sachets per
households.
Indeed,
the people of Barangay Balugo benefited so much on the medical aid being given
to the needy.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Acknowledgement:
This
mission and operation would not be possible without those people behind, who
helped and gave so much. Thank you very much with out end to all donors who made this
undertaking a success and meaningful one for the people of Barangay Balugo,
Albuera. Your sympathy and gentleness helps a lot. The cash donations and
medicines you shared and offered made great impact to the townspeople. Your compassion
will be forever treasured and appreciated. Moreover, we would like to thank
also the people who sincerely contributed their strengths and great efforts to
help assisting and comforting us during the course of the mission.
For us, you are all heroes in our hearts and to the hearts
of many that reaches your benevolence. In the eyes of God, we believe you
already are. Unknown heroes though but your act of kindness needed to be told,
should be known. God in heavens will smile down upon you and surely bless you
more, HE will.
Thanks to Tatay Florencio "Ensot" & Nanay Nena Igana who embraced us and accommodated us during the undertaking of the mission. To their children Angelic, Mark, Christian, Jason and everybody in the family who helped, guided and accompanied us during the course of the activity. Also, thanks to Ms. Ruby Cox for giving us comfort during the nights of stays in your humble house. To your nanay and tatay, thank you very much for showing us the kindness.
Special thanks to our donors:
Marichel Igana and husband
Bellou Louise Oclarit Erazo &
Rich Simon
Rich Simon
Tanja Sontosoemarto
Chufeling Moelljoredjo
Liza O. Dizon
John Mark Catubig
Marichu Tompong
Dr. Cabiba S. Macapaar - CHO-Marawi
Dr. Cherlina Canaveral - CHO Iligan
Dr.
Rowena Caoile,
Elaine Pintac.
Simon's Uncles
Ann Tuastumban,
Aurora RHU
Joy Serano.
Suarez Central School Teachers and
Pupils
Filipino-Belgian Community
(Those name who are misspelled and or not mentioned, my sincere apology. Please inform
us if there is/are such.)
Reminder: This special edition in my blog is updated from time to time. There are many people to be thankful for and needed to be acknowledged. I am also waiting for the people who wants to share their thoughts and reflections to be included in the said updates, so hope you do understand.
THANK YOU!
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