Heroism after the storm surge

I am a Filipino.

And I am hurting now, just like other Filipinos who were also devastated upon knowing the extent of destruction that super Typhoon (international name: Haiyan) Yolanda wrought to the Philippines.

Deemed as the world’s strongest typhoon to ever hit the world, it left tens of thousands of my countrymen homeless—and grieving for the loss of their loved ones.

A heart wrecking 10,000 people were predicted to be gone; perhaps, some were swept away by the enormous storm surge or some were left behind as huge trees fell.

We would never know what exactly happened on that day, Nov. 8, 2013; even media men could just surmise what really happened to the victims.

Micaela Papa, a reporter of GMA News recounted how she witnessed a girl, trying hard to grip to the bars of a window to avoid being flushed way. “Ang hirap isipin na pwedeng mamatay yung bata at wala akong magawa to help her (It’s quite difficult to think that the girl can die and I can’t do anything to help her),” she said.

Papa needed to evacuate the place immediately to avoid the gigantic storm surge— since then, she hasn’t heard any news about the girl. She can only pray that the girl is safe.

As soon as Yolanda’s wrath showed up in Central Philippines, we, Filipinos from the lesser affected parts of the country were hooked to TV and radio stations for updates on the condition of our countrymen.

It was also my husband’s birthday when Yolanda took its toll in Visayas; we had previous plans of going out with the whole family, but upon hearing the news, we just decided to stay at home and cook dinner for everyone.

Before eating, we offered a short prayer for our fellowmen in Visayas. We also tried to limit our noise so we can reflect a little.

Then, we tuned in to a news report by Atom Araullo of ABS-CBN, he was soaking wet as he gave updates on the destruction that the super Typhoon brought to Tacloban. After a few minutes, his signal weakened until he was totally out of the air; and even his fellow reporters from Manila couldn’t contact him and his team.

His family from “Umagang Kay Ganda,” expressed their worries to what might have happened to their co-workers. After several hours, he was on-air again, helping in the rescue operations, standing in the chest-level flood water, lifting the survivors to a safer place.

He was joined by other men who didn’t mind being in an unsafe place just to help their fellowmen.

While I was still saddened seeing the condition of the people in Visayas and other affected areas, I was moved into tears with the heroism that these Filipinos showed—genuine selflessness.

Aftermath Heroism

Lives were already gone and houses were already destroyed. We cannot do anything about it anymore.

But what we can do is to unite and help the victims survive what could be their worst nightmare.

“Now is not the time to blame each other, now is not the time for squabbling (bangayan),” Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras told reporters, saying relief and rescue operations remained the priority.

“Let’s make sure those who survived will survive and let’s provide for them” he added.

Indeed, the devastation that happened in the Philippines moved everyone to do their share.

Even a little boy I knew.

He sells sampaguita to fund his school requirements, but as soon as he heard the news, he expressed his intention to help.

But his next statements made me really emotional.

He said, “Saan ko ba pwedeng i-donate itong mga napagbentahan ko?” (Where can I donate all my earnings for today?)

I was surprised and took me a while to answer him.

I told him that he didn’t need to donate money; if he wants to help, he can just pack relief goods. I even asked him to join me and my group to a warehouse to pack donated goods.

But he was persistent. “Hindi, ibibigay ko pa din yung mga napagbentahan ko. Tulong ko ‘to sa kanila. Wala silang damit, wala silang pagkain. ( No, I will still give all my earnings. It is my help to them. They don’t have clothes; they don’t have food.),” he said.

United we stand

If there’s one positive thing that is happening in our country now—it must be unity.

Competing corporations are now joining hands to help the victims; rival T.V. networks are also one in conducting telethons to raise funds.

Everyone is just helping.

Even government organizations are doing their best to send help to the affected areas. While some would still engage in debates, I believe that majority of the organizations are doing their best to ease the pain and sufferings of our countrymen.

The Department of Health (DOH) has sent medical teams to Tacloban City and other affected areas. Health Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa said, “The idea is to make the health system function again. Our first goal is to make the hospitals function, especially if they are not structurally damaged.”

The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) has also activated its Doctor on Boats program, deploying a barge with a 1,000-ton capacity that can carry about 15 10-wheeler trucks to deliver relief items and provide medical assistance.

The Commission on Elections has also lent 700 generator sets to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to be used as a temporary source of power in the affected areas.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Red Cross, along with other government organizations had also done its share.

Indeed, the Bayanihan spirit is very much alive.

Even celebrities are doing their part. Anne Curtis organized a garage sale that accumulated more than 300,000 pesos (CAD$8,000) to be donated to “Sagip Kapamilya,” while Angel Locsin was seen packing relief goods at 1:30 a.m.

Celebrities also pledged their time to answer phone calls through their networks’ telethons. Celebrity basketball tournaments and concerts will also be held to raise funds.

Restaurants are also partnering with some government organizations to raise money, while some of them are holding “dine for a cause” to provide financial assistance to the victims.

International support was also overwhelming; over 22 countries had already pledged financial assistance plus jets to make the delivery of relief goods faster and efficient.

The Vatican has recently pledged $150,000 as emergency aid to the Philippines.

Even kids from the United States had offered their help by selling lemonade to raise funds for the victims.

Appeal for more help

Have you already pledged your help?

You can donate clothes, not necessarily old or torn ones. I am sure you can donate some of your new ones. Just imagine the simple joys that it could bring to the victims.

You can pledge money. Any amount you can share will be a tremendous help. But if you can sacrifice not buying a gadget or clothing this month, please do, so you can give more.

You can pledge your time. Go to a warehouse. Line up. Don’t be bothered with the long lines; you will surely have a chance to pack relief goods.

These are just small sacrifices, but it can help our countrymen stand tall again.