Balay Mindanaw Pablo Disaster Response Update No. 3
Dec. 8 – 9, 2012
We would like to share with you this update of our modest efforts to respond to the needs of the people and communities hit by Pablo. We realize the enormity and magnitude of the disaster, and we view our efforts as a small part of the bigger response both locally and globally.
For Davao Oriental:
A team composed of BM staff and VOICE volunteer medical workers on board a big KPMFI truck left Cagayan de Oro for Boston, Cateel and Baganga a little past noon of December 8 after a planning and briefing session at the Balay Mindanaw Peace Center. They must have arrived at their destination by now. Until now, there is no means fo communication in these places except for intermittent weak signals in Baganga. They will be working closely with Col. Kris Mortela, the Commander of 67IB, who is also one of our original peace trainers.
The Team brought with them 42 boxes of tents (used during Sendong operations), rolls of “trapal” to be used as tents, rice, water and other food supplies, kitchen utensils, blankets, and medical supplies estimated to respond to medical needs of 200 patients who are now staying in makeshift hospitals.
Surigao del Sur:
BM’s Surigao Team continues to work closely with the local partners (government, CSOs and Church) in responding to the needs of those affected by Pablo particularly in Cagwait, Lianga, Lingig and Bislig.
Agusan del Sur:
A BM Team was also dispatched three days ago to Sta. Josefa to express solidarity and provide modest assistance to our local partners.
Resources:
Some resources, offers of support and pledges have begun to come. We will be posting a detailed list of donations in the next update.
As of today, we have already disbursed PhP350,000.00 taken from the BM DR fund. We have also utilized the boxes, tents, utensils and used clothings which were still part ofnour Sendong response resources.
Yesterday (December 8) was the feast day of Immaculate Conception. Since Balay Mindanaw moved its center to Barangay Bulua, we have been joining the community in celebrating the feast day. Yesterday was no exception. Despite the tragedy, we still decided to come together and take time to celebrate the day, and most importantly, celebrate life together. Of course, we missed our colleagues who are now in Surigao and Davao Oriental “celebrating life” with those affected by the devastation.
Hopefully, the people in the disaster areas can also begin to share our mantra:
We refuse to be victims. We choose to be resources.