December 21, 2023
Tzu Chi extends aid to flood-affected families in Northern Samar
By Ben Baquilod
Tzu Chi Philippines provided essential aid to families affected by the recent flooding in the municipalities of Lope de Vega and Catarman, Northern Samar on December 17. The flooding, caused by the combined effects of a Low-Pressure Area (LPA) and Shear Line from November 20 to 22, led to significant damage in the region.
After conducting surveys and needs assessments, Tzu Chi extended assistance to a total of 1,981 families across three barangays: 1,071 families in Brgy. Polangi (Catarman), 505 families in Brgy. Poblacion (Lope de Vega), and 405 families in Brgy. Bayho (Lope de Vega). Each family received a relief package containing 25 kilograms of rice, grocery items, and Tzu Chi blankets.
Out of the 1,981 families, 110 whose houses were totally damaged received construction materials to aid in rebuilding. Each household was provided with 12 pieces of plywood, 12 galvanized iron (GI) sheets, and 1 kilogram of nails.
The success of the relief mission was a result of collaborative efforts and the generosity of Tzu Chi volunteers and donors. The response team from Manila and Leyte (Palo and Tacloban) was complemented by volunteers from the Catarman chapter of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).
Expressing gratitude for the assistance, Catarman FFCCCII President Reo Uy Diaz remarked, “We're very grateful for the help you extended to our place. I really hope to have a Tzu Chi chapter here in the future.”
Despite the devastation and losses, the people of Northern Samar demonstrated resilience, gratitude, and the spirit of 'bayanihan.' Gerry Hibon, who lost his home and sari-sari store to a landslide, exemplified this spirit. He wore a big smile and expressed gratitude, stating, “It was heartbreaking, but that’s life. When you stumble, you just have to get up.”
“What’s important is my wife and I are alive,” he added.
Gerry’s optimism grew as he received relief items and construction supplies to rebuild his home. “We really didn’t expect this. Thank you so much, Tzu Chi, for your compassionate gesture,” he said.
Jonathan Demakiling, who played a role in rescuing families during the flood, maintained a positive spirit despite the fearful incident. He helped rescue families using a boat after ensuring the safety of his wife and three-month-old child. “It was so scary, but we still helped,” he said.
Even as he witnessed his own house floating amid the floods, he thought of helping others. “It was painful to see, but I still thought of helping others because I believe in God’s mercy.”
Upon learning about the aid he would receive, including 25 kilograms of rice, generous grocery items, and home construction materials, Jonathan expressed joy. “It really feels good that there are people like you who help us willingly,” he exclaimed. “We will now be able to rebuild our home for my family.”
“Thank you so much, Tzu Chi volunteers,” he concluded.
Tzu Chi volunteers validate and distribute stubs in Brgy. Bayho, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar, a day prior to the relief distribution. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi provides aid to flood-affected families in Brgy. Polangi, Catarman, Northern Samar on December 17. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Tzu Chi provides aid to flood-affected families in Brgy. Polangi, Catarman, Northern Samar on December 17. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi provides aid to flood-affected families in Brgy. Polangi, Catarman, Northern Samar on December 17. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi provides aid to flood-affected families in Brgy. Polangi, Catarman, Northern Samar on December 17. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Brgy. Bayho residents excitedly line up for the stub distribution. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Brgy. Bayho residents excitedly line up for the stub distribution. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
On the day of the relief distribution, residents of Brgy. Polangi joyfully raise their stubs. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi Tacloban volunteer Jaime Go shares an engaging talk with Brgy. Polangi residents. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Residents of Brgy. Polangi respond with enthusiasm to a volunteer's talk. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi Manila volunteer Manny Go shares an inspiring message with Brgy. Polangi residents. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Reo Uy Diaz, President of Catarman Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) expresses heartfelt gratitude, saying, 'We're very thankful for the assistance provided to our community. I genuinely hope to see a Tzu Chi chapter established here in the future.'"【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Residents of Brgy. Polangi unite in prayer, led by Tzu Chi volunteers. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Residents of Brgy. Polangi unite in prayer, led by Tzu Chi volunteers. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Residents of Brgy. Polangi unite in prayer, led by Tzu Chi volunteers. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Jonathan Demakiling participates earnestly in a prayer led by Tzu Chi volunteers. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Jonathan Demakiling joyfully raises his hands upon hearing about the construction materials provided by Tzu Chi. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Jonathan Demakiling carries his 25 kilograms of rice, grocery items, and Tzu Chi blanket on his way home. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
“It really feels good that there are people like you who help us willingly. We will now be able to rebuild our home for my family,” says Jonathan Demakiling. “Thank you so much, Tzu Chi volunteers.” 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Marlon Cahusay brings relief items to his family in the evacuation center, grateful for Tzu Chi's assistance that will soon help him rebuild his home. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteer hands a blanket over to a beneficiary. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
A family transports their relief items home using a motorcycle sidecar. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Gerry Hibon loses his home and sari-sari store in Brgy. Bayho, Lope de Vega, to a landslide triggered by incessant rains. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Gerry Hibon loses his home and sari-sari store in Brgy. Bayho, Lope de Vega, to a landslide triggered by incessant rains. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Gerry Hibon loses his home and sari-sari store in Brgy. Bayho, Lope de Vega, to a landslide triggered by incessant rains. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Despite losing his home and sari-sari store, Gerry Hibon demonstrates resilience and gratitude. “It was heartbreaking, but that’s life. When you stumble, you just have to get up,” he says. “What’s important is my wife and I are alive.” 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Gerry Hibon receives relief goods from Tzu Chi. “We really didn’t expect this. Thank you so much, Tzu Chi, for your compassionate gesture,” he says. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
A resident from Brgy. Bayho provides shade to a Tzu Chi volunteer with an umbrella during stub distribution. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Residents of Brgy. Bayho raise their stubs in eager anticipation as they await the distribution of relief goods【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteers guide residents of Brgy. Bayho in a solemn prayer. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
In a solemn moment, residents of Brgy. Bayho join Tzu Chi volunteers in prayer. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
A beneficiary expresses joy as he receives his 25-kilogram sack of rice. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
On December 19, construction materials were delivered to beneficiaries with the assistance of Catarman Builders Supply.【Photo courtesy of Catarman Builders Supply】
On December 19, construction materials were delivered to beneficiaries with the assistance of Catarman Builders Supply.【Photo courtesy of Catarman Builders Supply】
On December 19, construction materials were delivered to beneficiaries with the assistance of Catarman Builders Supply.【Photo courtesy of Catarman Builders Supply】
Members of the Catarman Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) join Tzu Chi volunteers in the relief distribution in Brgy. Polangi. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi's flood relief response team from Manila, Tacloban, and Palo (Leyte) gathers for a group photo following a successful two-day mission in Lope de Vega and Catarman, Northern Samar. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】