Nature’s wrath comes at a time when nobody hardly expects it. Although there were already warnings to other countries including the Philippines that typhoon “Sendong” or Washi (international name) was strong and that those in its path should take the necessary precautions, the Philippines Southern front was badly hit and scores were killed, homeless, wet and hungry. Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities had no experiences with typhoons and floods. Hence, they were confident that it would just bring in the rains, and not destruction.
And in times like this, we also always see the bayanihan spirit in each other. Help was immediately on the way especially coming from the gov’t sector, civil society organizations, non government organizations, private sector and volunteers who continue to help in either cash or in kind.
In this challenging times, the soldier’s heroism emerges to mitigate the sufferings and pain of fellow “kababayans”. The likes of my friend Michael Aquino who is working with the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, OJ7, AFP, who gave up their Christmas party celebration in the camp, and along with a group of soldiers, cruised raging waves to lend a helping hand.
Cagayan de Oro City, the hardest hit province will have to start with their rehabilitation and recovery efforts similarly with Iligan City. The death toll in the December 17, 2011 flash floods in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan had risen to 279 and 1,100 respectively; and 1,099 remain missing.
Much of the heavy load were done by our soldiers who braved the rains, floods and murky waters during and after typhoon “Sendong”.
We thank our soldiers, we recognize their sacrifices, and assuming new roles in helping build communities and saving lives, during tragedies and calamities.