November 16, 2024
Compassion through bayanihan: facing the aftermath of Typhoon Kristine in Bicol
By Dorothy Castro
From November 5 to 14, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines conducted a series of rice distributions in four municipalities of Camarines Sur, Bicol: Baao, Bula, Milaor, and Nabua. With the help of Tzu Chi Bicol volunteers, 10-kilogram sacks of rice were given to each of the 9,014 recovering families in these areas.
On the day of Typhoon Kristine’s (Trami) landfall, three families took cover in the home of Sagrada Familia Kagawad (town councilor) Efren Reginales. Hoping to provide shelter to his neighbors, Reginales didn’t expect that his house would be submerged in flood when night fell.
“This was the worst calamity we’ve experienced in our area this year,” said Reginales, who had been sleeping in the Municipal Hall for days as recovery from the typhoon began. “We lost everything—belongings, homes, animals, and more.”
For a city that thrives on agriculture and small businesses, no livelihood was spared.
“It was horrifying,” said 58-year-old Judith Parro, who had to leave her home and livelihood behind as the floodwaters rose. “All that’s left is mud; our belongings are lined up outside [our house], damaged.” Currently, Parro’s family sleeps on the bare floors of their damaged house.
To prepare for the rice relief, Tzu Chi volunteers conducted ocular visits in late October with the help of local government agencies. As floods gradually subsided and roads opened, trucks carrying rice from the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, were transported to the municipalities affected by the storm.
Overcoming the logistical concerns in Camarines Sur was made possible by the helping hands of JLo BIG HEART Foundation, a non-government organization based in Pili. From helping distribute hot meals on October 27 to collaborating with Tzu Chi volunteers during the five-day relief operations, their combined efforts reached the hearts of the families in need.
Tzu Chi is also grateful to Asia Brewery, Inc. On November 8, the beverage company donated 450 six-liter bottles of Absolute Distilled Drinking Water in time for Tzu Chi’s relief at Milaor, Camarines Sur. Through their contribution, families were able to secure clean drinking water in this area.
Reflecting on the spirit of camaraderie in this trying time, Reginales recalls the many people helping them: “We are grateful to everyone who gave aid, like Tzu Chi, because our municipality needs the support of different sectors.”
“We may be starting from zero,” Parro acknowledged matter-of-factly. “But we will start again because we have faith in God.”
As early as November 4, Tzu Chi volunteers began preparing the stubs for the upcoming relief distributions.
Flooding damaged many of the farmlands in Camarines Sur.
Tzu Chi Bicol volunteers met with the representatives of the Office of the City Social Welfare And Development in Camarines Sur to discuss the number of families affected.
Volunteers distribute relief stubs for the affected families of Typhoon Kristine (Trami).
Outside the Municipal Hall of Bula, Camarines Sur, many items damaged by the typhoon were collected and set aside.
Hundreds to thousands of affected individuals line up at the stub distribution at the Municipality of San Miguel in Bula, Camarines Sur.
Beneficiaries wait as their names are checked on the list.
Beneficiaries raise their stubs during the relief distribution.
A Tzu Chi Bicol volunteer joins in a sign language performance of the song “One Family.”
Affected families are moved by the message of the comforting songs played by Tzu Chi.
Representatives of families affected by Typhoon Kristine (Trami) claim their 10-kilogram sack of rice.
Representatives of families affected by Typhoon Kristine (Trami) claim their 10-kilogram sack of rice.
Barangay Kagawad (town councilor) Efren Reginales, witnessed the effects of Typhoon Kristine on the community. “Sagrada Familia is one of the central towns in Bula, and now many businesses are affected,” he said.
Due to rising floods, Judith Parro and her family immediately sought shelter in higher ground. Riding a small boat, they were able to safely evacuate. “My children do not know how to swim,” she said, remembering her worry as they left.
In Milaor, Camarines Sur, volunteers prepare the bottles of Absolute Distilled Drinking Water donated by Asia Brewery, Inc.
Volunteers unload the sacks of rice for distribution.
A beneficiary happily poses with her sack of rice and bottled water.
Volunteers from the JLo BIG HEART Foundation participated in the relief distribution.
Volunteers pose for a photo after a successful relief distribution.