SENDONG UPDATES: Balay Mindanaw Relief Operations Report No. 14

Yesterday, as the schools re-opened, the urgent need for school supplies surfaced. Thus, starting today, we will be distributing packages of school supplies (notebooks, writing pads, pen/pencils, etc.) worth P400.00 (USD10) per pack. The American Chamber Philippines Foundation has agreed to use the remaining amount from their P500,000 donation for this purpose.

A group of Filipinos based in New Zealand donated food items for the affected families with each pack containing 2 kilos of rice, 2 piecss of canned goods, 2 packs of noodles. The goods were distributed to 320 families in Bulua and 210 families in Bulao.

St. Mary's Alumni also provided supper to 100 families in Bulao on January 2, 2012.

The medical team headed by Dr. Roel Cagape with seven nurses went to Iligan City yesterday to pursue volunteer work in the affected areas of Iligan. BM facilitated the connection with PAILIG Foundation, Inc (Bobby Quijano) and MSU-IIT Center (Bebot Rodil).

The team was able to serve a total of 1,029 patients during the first phase covering 7 barangays and a total of 502 patients in 4 barangays. The list of barangays and number of patients checked are listed below:

First Phase: December 21-24
Bonbon - 156 patients
Iponan - 169 patients
Canitoan - 223 patients
Bulua- 276 patients
Tibasak-54 patients
Macasandig -78 patients
Kauswagan - 73 patients

Second Phase: December 30-January 2
Zone 5, Barangay Bonbon - 111 patients
Iponan - 105 patients
Bulua Gym - Christmas party
West City Central, Carmen - 111 patients
Balulang - 175 patients

As part of their support, they also gave out cooked food consisting of rice and tuna. They also introduced simple games in Bonbon and hosted a party at the Bulua Gym on New Year's Eve.

They also conducted medical check-up and provided medicines to members of Balay Mindanaw and their respective families as part of the prophylaxis as many of the members have been exposed to flood waters, in cleaning up of their houses damaged by the flood, and during relief operations in affected communities.

Sarangani Gov. Dominguez is sending a 20-person team to help in the psychosocial work in the BM areas over the weekend. Sam Chittick of Ausaid has also connected us with UNICEF for partnership in psychosocial response. An appropriate plan will be formulated to optimize all these new resources who have earlier offered their services. More update on this after the meeting with the Psychosocial Committee of the CCCM.

Also yesterday, Balay Mindanaw had an opportunity to interact with DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo and DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman. Sec. Robredo asked BM to help in meaningfully utilizing the personal monetary contributions from DILG officials and employees nationwide.

Today, Ed Cox from DART DAI, with two Australian volunteers will help in the setting up tent communities in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Documentation Team had a short crash course on proper documentation through pictures, and an orientation on the systems and processes of the BM Disaster Management Operations

Other BM Disaster Management Operations' Schedule for Day 15, Wednesday, January 4, 2012 are as follows: meetings with the psychosocial cluster for proper coordination and establishment of mechanisms; continuing monitoring and updating of the MIS in all areas; setting up the tents in two sites; and continuing distribution of relief packages.

Acts of kindness continue to overwhelm and inspire us as cash and non-cash donations continue to flow. We very sincerely thank you for your being with us in this journey. We will be posting the updated list of donations later today.

Thank you very much.

We refuse to be victims. We choose to be resources.

[See our previous reports here: Jan. 2, Dec. 31, Dec. 29, Dec. 28, Dec. 27, Dec. 26, Dec. 23 4pm, Dec 23 12nn, Dec. 22, Dec. 21, Dec. 20, Dec. 19 6pm, Dec. 19]

Helping Build Empowered and Sustainable Communities in Mindanao. Helping Build Peace.