TENTalizing!

CEBU, Philippines - Things will now begin to change with the way we see a tent.

Basically, it is used for campout-related activities. But because of the uncertainty of ground conditions brought about by climatic variability, the potential of tents as alternative housing facility to more victims of calamities and ill effects posed by natural hazards is considered on a more serious level.

We used to trust our houses as our sanctuaries, but that was when we’ve never been face to face with a rollout of disaster risks – landslides, mudslides, rockslides, storm surge, sink holes, tsunami, etc.

In the event of a calamity, no matter how heart-wrenching, we bid goodbye to our houses and live in evacuation centers. Typically, these are barangay gymnasiums, public school premises, recreation centers which are crowded and noisy, deprived of decent human living conditions. Normally, mats, blankets and pillows are basic necessities extended to provide immediate comfort to victims.

We never thought it was possible. We invest in electronic loads, in lotto tickets, in clothes and shoes, in looking good every day. Who would think we would join the helpless, ending up at the mercy of donors?

Consider this: If only every household has a tent like Silangan EIS 8 (a true-blue Cebuano innovation crafted by a Talisaynon), we wouldn’t be too much of a hassle to students and teachers who don’t have to cancel classes because of our huge presence in their work-and-learn station. Or to be huddled in the cold, dilapidated barangay gym, toilet facility rendered kaput. There is always an open space out there, a vacant lot somewhere where we can temporarily pitch a tent while waiting for some disaster aftermath to subside or for weather conditions to improve. On such occasions, lot owners can become pretty much humane to tolerate a temporary campsite on their properties.

To back that need for decent temporary shelter, the EIS 8 is developed. This is directed at fitting in not only a pack of mountain climbing enthusiasts but also a family who puts premium to privacy amid the crappiest of situations. At the gym, people sleep in a topsy-turvy manner, things scattered all over, the scenario becomes anarchic with the way meals are distributed and consumed, hygiene overlooked, housekeeping rules rendered inutile, inviting the spread of various illnesses.

The EIS 8 can provide that short-term comfort needed when exposed to the elements. It is made of taffeta coated which means it resists water. The groundsheet of the inner tent is bowl type and water resistant too. The double poles are made of aluminum as well as the pegs. The entire tent measures six feet and nine inches long, 54 inches or 4.5 feet wide, and 33 inches high, enough to provide lying space and elbow room. The vestibule serves multipurpose: rain shed, for storage space, and even extra room with the help of an earth pad. The tent weighs a total of 1.9 kilograms, and comes with a strong nylon rope with a diameter of 4mm. for pitching stability. To avoid accidents, blinkers are to be attached to pegs to warn other campers.

Available colors as of this writing: Purple, green, and light blue. Orders can be placed through bank transfer or Kwarta Padala, contact 09298881388 or 09328542183. (Photos grabbed from Eis Amiel Servando's FB account)  (FREEMAN)