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2012, TYPHOON PABLO, COMPOSTELA VALLEY

VOLUNTEER DOCTORS HELP IN STUB DISTRIBUTION PRIOR TO LARGE-SCALE RELIEF

 

 

Almost a month after Typhoon Pablo (international codename: Bopha) brought destruction in many parts of Mindanao, volunteers from Tzu Chi Philippines continue to mobilize their efforts to evaluate the disaster victims’ condition; particularly in the province of Compostela Valley which is one of the hardest hit area by the typhoon.

 

As of this writing, a large part of the aforementioned province is still experiencing the dire effects of Typhoon Pablo. For instance, many houses in far flung purok (zones) of Barangay Mangayon, Compostela were either partially or completely destroyed with its roads still submerged in mud. The barangay still does not have electricity at the moment.

 

Noting this, 20 Tzu Chi volunteers, staff, and volunteer doctors came to Compostela on January 4 to personally see the victims’ situation. Six volunteer doctors led by Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) Robert Sy, primarily went to the Compostela Valley to participate in the medical missions that will be done simultaneously with the large-scale relief activities scheduled on January 5 and 6.

 

But making good use of their time, the doctors also willingly chipped in their efforts to distribute stubs to the residents of Mangayon Barangay Hall, Mangayon National High School and Purok 6. A total of 182 stubs were given to Barangay Mangayon residents that day.

 

The stubs given will enable the disaster-stricken victims to receive much-needed relief supplies such as basic household items, mat, and blanket among others.

 

Disaster victim Estrellita Pondar, 29, is thankful that Tzu Chi came to help them even if the typhoon has already passed for about a month and is slowly becoming a past memory for many people. “It has been a month since the typhoon devastated us and we thought that no one would help us any longer. Although I have yet to know what Tzu Chi will give us, I am already grateful to them”

 

For Dr. Ma. Catherine Baustista, working with the Buddhist group is an honor most especially that they are serving their downtrodden fellowmen. “I am thankful to be invited here in this mission sponsored by Tzu Chi Foundation. We as doctors are very willing to reach out to the people and take time to give our service to them,” she said.

 

Dr. Baustista has known the charitable foundation during her clerkship in Cebu where she volunteered for various medical missions held by Tzu Chi’s branch office there. She will be serving in the pediatrics department during the foundation’s medical mission happening on January 5 and 6.

 

While for Dr. Dolores Bagay, being part of this large-scale relief mission is an advanced birthday gift for her as she will be celebrating her birthday next week. “This mission serves as a way for me to give back blessings and be here for the people to serve them. There is always fulfillment in helping others,” she explains.

 

Dr. Bagay also commends Tzu Chi’s relief missions saying that they are realistic and doable. These in turn, inspire her to participate in the foundation’s humanitarian missions, not only by being a doctor but also a volunteer in general.

 

With this, Tzu Chi volunteer Ching Ching Tan witnessed the dedication of the doctors to serve their disaster-stricken fellows who carefully checked the names of the stub recipients and unmindful of the drizzling rain. “From their heart, our doctors really want to be part of this volunteer group”

 

Being raised in General Santos, another province in Mindanao; Tan said that she wants to help her fellows in their time of need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tzu Chi Philippines

Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, Philippines - Jing Si Hall

1000 Cordillera cor. Lubiran St., Bacood, Sta. Mesa., Manila 1016

(632) 8714 - 1188

info@tzuchi.org.ph

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