August 5, 2024
Tzu Chi Conducts typhoon relief at Montalban, Rizal
By Dorothy Castro
The recent southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoon Carina left many families devastated by flooding, damaging their homes and every valuable item they had. In Montalban, some houses were completely damaged, resulting in families having no roof over their heads and facing a scarcity of their daily needs.
What was meant to be a fresh start for Renerose Lique’s family led to the challenge of rebuilding the home they lost during the storm. Having recently spent their budget on new home appliances and supplies, they no longer have the financial means to fix their house immediately. However, Lique worried the most about her children, as the timing of the typhoon shattered any chance of a smooth back-to-school experience for them.
A neighbor of Lique, Milagros Llagas was overcome with tears as she shared how they have been recovering. “We’ve been sleeping in a small hut, and we patched up the destroyed walls with a tarp,” she explained.
This was the only thing her family could do to be able to sleep after the heavy flooding destroyed their home. “Even the salt we had was washed away,” she recalled.
After an ocular survey wherein volunteers assessed the condition of the residents’ homes, volunteers immediately worked together to prepare relief goods: sacks of rice, clothing, house supplies, and a voucher for the beneficiaries’ other needs. Tzu Chi then conducted the stub distribution on August 2, to determine the total number of beneficiaries.
On August 3, Tzu Chi volunteers visited Montalban, bringing sets of relief goods for families affected by the heavy monsoon rain worsened by Typhoon Carina last July 24. These essentials were distributed in two locations: San Jose Elementary School, and Brgy. San Isidro Phase 1 Covered Court. 367 families from San Isidro and 371 families from San Jose received groceries and home items that will help them as they recover from the devastating effects of the typhoon. Overall, 738 families received relief items.
Bringing with them their perseverance to provide for their families, beneficiaries lined up to receive relief goods such as grocery items, clothing, home items, and a Puregold grocery voucher provided by Tzu Chi.
With groceries to help them with their day-to-day life, Llagas smiled in gratitude. “We are so grateful to Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines because this disaster left us traumatized,” she shared.
After the distribution, Tzu Chi prepared an uplifting surprise for residents whose homes were completely damaged by the typhoon. In addition to the grocery and home items, they were given beds and blankets, and a ₱15,000 worth voucher to purchase construction materials to help them rebuild their homes.
Happy to finally move forward after the disaster, Janette Zamoras was overjoyed knowing she could finally purchase school supplies for her children and rebuild their house. “The ₱15,000 check, I promise to use it for rebuilding our house, that is my purpose,” she joyfully declared.
Drawing her strength from her children, Zamoras’ first worry is always how she can provide a good future for her children. “We have to stand up, especially for our children because they are very young, in elementary school. My husband works as a construction worker,” she explained.
Like Zamoras, Lique was overjoyed to learn that her hopes were answered. During the ocular visit, she shared how badly she needed help, to rebuild their house and purchase school supplies for her children. Through tears, she said: “We’re getting better through the help of many people. Tzu Chi’s relief is a big help for us because we now have the means to rebuild our home. I can buy school supplies, and my children can attend school now. We have a bed, a blanket, a sleeping mat, kitchen essentials, a bucket, and rice. We are thankful to them.”
This was a special consideration after the volunteers witnessed the extensive damage the residents faced, many of whom lost their homes. Among these recipients in San Isidro were Llagas, Zamoras, and Lique. These three beneficiaries ultimately lost their homes due to the typhoon.
In San Jose, Rolly Trogue, father of four, remains strong for his family despite the loss and many challenges in his life.
Apart from a badly damaged home, Trogue was facing a devastating loss during the typhoon: his youngest son Charlie had died from pneumonia right before the heavy monsoon rains struck their area.
As the downpour gradually increased the level of flooding in their area, Trogue had to immediately think of how to evacuate while thinking of his son’s funeral that was taking place during the typhoon.
“We brought our son’s remains to the Mormons to temporarily seek shelter. Immediately after, I cleaned the house to return my son’s remains and continue his funeral wake at home,” Trogue explained.
His son was being treated for hydrocephalus and had contracted pneumonia, adding to the complications of his ailment. “We were referred to a hospital in Pasig because he can get an operation there. We stayed there for a month before he died,” Trogue recalled.
Even as he faced a great amount of loss, Trogue continued to persevere for his family, while being honest with the difficult process of moving forward. “I am thankful for God, because we were given financial help, and I am grateful that blessings come to us. But I have to admit that I am struggling right now. My son died, and my wife’s mother is confined at the East Avenue hospital, ” he shared.
Apart from Tzu Chi volunteers and local government units, Tzu Chi scholars, and medical students from Tzu Chi University in Taiwan volunteered and participated in distributing relief goods.
Tzu Chi volunteer Johnny Kwok, who led the relief distribution at Brgy. San Isidro was grateful to help the beneficiaries. When asked about his feelings after volunteering, he was very thankful for the beneficiaries, as he was given the opportunity to help others, along with fellow volunteers. He finds happiness in improving the lives of the beneficiaries, especially after the disaster. “Through this, we can help more people and do good things,” he shared.
Tzu Chi volunteers went to Montalban a day after Typhoon Carina to assess the damage of the heavy rains to the residents.
Along with residents whose homes were flooded during the downpour intensified by Typhoon Carina, Tzu Chi volunteers assess the condition of the area.
Many household items were damaged by the heavy rain and flooding.
Tzu Chi volunteers and staff pose for a photo after visiting the homes of Montalban residents.
Renerose Lique (left), and Janette Zamoras (center), along with a neighbor in their community receive bread during the ocular visit in Montalban.
Tzu Chi University students helped in carrying sacks of relief goods during the distribution.
A Tzu Chi University student unloads sacks of relief goods during the distribution in San Jose, Montalban.
Students from Tzu Chi University help alongside Tzu Chi volunteers in unpacking the relief goods in San Jose.
A Tzu Chi volunteer helps in preparing the buckets for relief distribution.
Tzu Chi volunteers unpack relief goods in San Isidro, Montalban.
Tzu Chi scholars carefully place Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s photo in preparation for the relief distribution.
Relief goods for beneficiaries include cooking essentials such as oil, soy sauce, condiments, as well as other needs such as clothing and sleeping mats.
Sacks of rice were also included among the relief items given.
Among the distributed essentials were Puregold gift checks, given by Tzu Chi for beneficiaries to purchase other needs.
Beneficiaries raise their relief stubs as they line up for the distribution.
Beneficiaries happily pose with their relief stubs.
Neighbors Janette Zamoras (left) and Renerose Lique (right) pose together for a photo during the relief distribution in San Isidro.
Tzu Chi volunteers and Tzu Chi University students lead the prayer in San Jose.
A beneficiary wholeheartedly prays during the relief distribution.
Tzu Chi volunteers lead a sign language performance for the beneficiaries.
Students from Tzu Chi University prepared a sign language performance for the beneficiaries at the relief distribution.
Tzu Chi volunteers lead a sign language performance for the beneficiaries.
Tzu Chi scholars show a sign language performance of the song “One Family”.
Beneficiary Milagros Llagas (center), joins in learning the sign language performance of “One Family”.
A San Isidro beneficiary poses for a photo with the vegetarian lifestyle sticker distributed during the relief.
One of the materials given during the relief is a pamphlet of Tzu Chi Foundation’s mission and programs.
Beneficiaries learn Tzu Chi’s gesture in saying “thank you”.
A beneficiary shares her savings in order to help more beneficiaries like her in the future.
Tom Fernandez, Brgy. Captain of San Isidro, shares words of gratitude to Tzu Chi Foundation during the relief distribution.
Glenn Evangelista, Brgy. Captain of San Jose, expresses his thanks to Tzu Chi Foundation during the relief distribution.
Tzu Chi volunteer Luis Diamante (left) and Deputy CEO Wilson Hung (right) present the items to be given for the relief distribution at San Isidro, Montalban.
Tzu Chi volunteers Manny Go (left) and Lino Sy (right) present the items to be given for the relief distribution at San Jose, Montalban.
Tzu Chi volunteers prepare the folding beds and blankets to be given to families whose houses were completely damaged.
Beneficiaries happily pose for a photo after receiving their relief goods.
A beneficiary carries her relief goods home.
The beneficiary happily carries her relief goods.
A Tzu Chi scholar helps in distributing essential items for beneficiaries.
A Tzu Chi scholar carefully places the relief goods in the beneficiary’s bucket.
A beneficiary whose house was completely damaged receives home items and sacks of rice.
A beneficiary gratefully accepts the home items and grocery items given by Tzu Chi.
A Tzu Chi scholar carefully places the food items into the beneficiary’s bag.
A beneficiary smiles as she receives the relief items.
Beneficiary Rolly Trogue carries his relief goods home.
Rolly Trogue (left) shares his story to Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO Peggy Sy-Jiang (right).
Renerose Lique cries as she learns that they will receive a voucher for construction materials for their homes.
Beneficiary Renerose Lique (left) receives her grocery gift check and voucher for construction materials.
Janette Zamoras joyfully smiles upon learning that she will receive home items and a voucher for construction materials to rebuild their home.
Beneficiary Janette Zamoras (left) happily poses with a Tzu Chi volunteer after receiving her voucher for groceries and construction materials to rebuild their home.
A beneficiary joyfully smiles after learning about what they will receive at the relief distribution.
Tzu Chi Scholars pose for a photo after participating in the relief distribution in San Jose.
Tzu Chi scholars are happy to participate in Tzu Chi’s relief efforts in San Isidro after typhoon Carina.
Volunteers happily pose after a successful relief distribution at Brgy. San Jose.
Volunteers pose for a photo after a successful relief distribution at Brgy. San Isidro, Montalban.