FW: Another Day of Communion (Relief Distribution in Western Samar)
Floyd Castro
Another Day of Communion
(Relief Distribution in Western Samar )
I was bidding farewell to my loved ones when I saw a roaring avalanche of thick water coming towards our little house,” said Dolorico Raguro, a pedicab driver and seasonal worker/farmer.
His family is one of the victim/survivors of the recent disaster. In tears, he recalled how he was able to survive, along with his son and his dog.
“In the early morning, I sent my wife and daughter to a safer place. Then, I started to tie layers of bamboo (to make a raft) in case the water rose. When I turned to the direction of the wind, I saw an unbelievable happening. The waves of water were rushing towards our location. So quickly, I saw my house (made of nipa and wood) turning completely around. I was reminded of the tsunami that happened in Japan; it was really like that. I thought it was the end of the world! I am thankful that I was able to ride on the bamboo I had tied.”
Also revealing was the connection among humans and creatures who were seeking to survive together.
“All living creatures wanted to survive. With me, were snakes—there was a big snake and several smaller ones. My faithful dog wanted to protect me and tried to shoo them away. I prevented him from doing so. I told him, ‘they need also to survive.’ Deep inside me, I was also afraid. Still, my fear was overshadowed by the seeing myself in that creature who also wanted to live. He did not bite me, and neither did I feel that he was my enemy. I don’t know what happened to that big snake. Perhaps, he survived too.”
Dolorico Raguro was in tears as he narrated that harrowing moment in his life. He was asked what keeps him moving and rising.
“When we reunited as a family, I knew this is our new life. We are poor, but we can start life anew with even the simplest means. I just wish that the government could assist us in this, another, new phase of our lives.I feel so sorry
for our neighbors and friends, and especially for those who became orphans and widows and those whose children and grandchildren died.
They did not even receive the usual wake and burial. And,
some are still missing.”
This storytelling happened in less than hour, while waiting
for the relief truck which had gotten stuck in soft ground,
where according to the people, the DPWH (Department of
Public Work And Highway) did some drilling for supposedly water system. With no signage about the “danger zone,” our relief mission was delayed.
There were many more stories. Each person we met in the community has a story to tell, has tears to shed, and has reasons to carry on.
The visit to Basey was part of a people’s solidarity caravan to support the communities affected by Typhoon Yolanda. Initiated as a multi-sectoral disaster response led by BALSA (Bayanihan Alay sa Sambayan), DAMBANA traveled up to Barangay Bulao, Northern Samar. The people had already designed a plan for the distribution. Nearby barangay residents came to the location where we would distribute relief goods. However, those communities which are quite far from where we were and which could only be reached by foot after hours of walking, had also prepared. In order for relief support to reach these farthest places, communities organized themselves and prepared lists the household members; their representatives managed the distribution accordingly. All in all, 1,500 relief goods were distributed to ten barangays of Basey, Northern Samar. They were both surprised and elated with the packed goods we shared them; it was the first time that the that package consisted of 8 kilos of rice, 5 canned goods, ½ kilo dried fish, 500 ml cooking oil, ½ kilo mongo, ¼ kilo salt, 2 packs of biscuits, and ½ kilo sugar. They usually anticipate to be receiving only 3 kilos of rice and 3 canned goods.
Each pack of relief goods was so precious to a recipient. When a bag of rice was accidentally damaged, some grains fell. Immediately, I saw hands quickly gathered them gently returned them back at the relief bag. I was reminded of the people who donated and volunteered to pack up the goods. I must tell those who spent time , and shared their resources that the works of love they have given are invaluable. The needs for solidarity love and support become more real and concrete when we personally have witnessed the situation of the people.
The names of the ten barangays who received the goods are: 1.Can-umuan; 2. Bulao; 3.Bug-os; 4.Rizal; 5Mabini; 6.Maulilinab; 7.Inumtan; 8.Del Pilar; 9.Villa Aurora;and,10. Cancaiyas. Clearly, the method used by the barangays were already tested. When we talked with them, we learned that they had a long experience of organized actions and had also experienced numerous evacuations due to militarization. We were impressed that even in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, these communities are determined to strengthen their barangays and, as much as they find possible, rebuild themselves and their communities, without forgetting the value of organized action and care.
The DAMBANA representatives to the caravan included the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF), Religious of the Good Shepherd (RGS), La Salette Sisters, KASIMBAYAN, TFUC-AMRSP, and Promotion of Church People’s Response(PCPR).
The caravan originated in Quezon City and travelled on November 21 and went back in Manila on November 25.
Norma P. Dollaga
Co-Coordinator
DAMBANA
November 27,2013