PICTURE PERFECT. A group of children enthusiastically strike a pose after receiving their presents. Supplied photo.
Report by Zaira Mae G Dehing, SSIAP Program Officer
Makilala, North Cotabato was rocked by three earthquakes in November 2019. Hundreds of families were expected to celebrate their Christmas and welcome the new year in the evacuation center.
Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, through a team composed of at least six people namely, Nestor Banuag Jr, Zaira Dehing, Meiyoshi A Masgon, William V Repulo, Dennise Edwina S Gonzales, and Faith Elvie L Silmonet conducted its first mission on November 9 and 10, 2019. The team initially went to the area to conduct a Rapid Disaster Analysis and Needs Assessment (RDANA).
The RDANA was essential in identifying the immediate needs of the people who were greatly affected by the earthquake. XU, in its mission to spread cura personalis, the personal care for others, initiated a great avenue to extend help to the displaced persons in Makilala in collaboration with its partner organizations and donors: STEAG State Power Inc, Promote NorthMin Foundation Inc, Iligan Light and Power Inc, and FDC Misamis Power Corporation.
THE XU TEAM.The team gathers with thhe members of LGU Makilala after the turnover ceremony. Supplied photo.
On December 19 and 20, 2019, the team went back to Sitio Flortam, Batasan, Makilala North Cotabato. Batasan is the temporary relocation area of the evacuees from Barangay Luayon in Makilala North Cotabato.
The XU team was ushered by Edgar Aquiatan of Mt Apo Foundation Inc (MAFI). MAFI was recommended by Ateneo de Davao University to be the key organization that would help the XU team in the mission. Upon arrival, the team was welcomed by the provincial governor of Makilala, Gov Nancy Alaan Catamco, together with the local government unit of Makilala and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce - Kidapawan.
TURNOVER OF GOODS. Captured here is the symbolic turnover of the donations from XU to the Makilala LGU. Supplied photo.
A short turnover ceremony transpired before the relief operation. Ghaye Alegrio of STEAG State Power Inc, the current vice chairperson of the XU Board of Trustees and VP for Mindanao of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, was present during the ceremony and gave a short message. Meanwhile, the director of the Student Social Involvement and Advocacy Program (SSIAP) of XU, Nestor Banuag Jr led the ceremony.
CEREMONY. Xavier Ateneo's Nestor M Banuag Jr passionately delivers words of encouragement as he leads the short ceremony. Supplied photo.
Last November, XU also initiated a toy collection drive in the campus. XU Senior High School Department donated various toys, which included robots, stuffed toys, puzzles, toy cars, and dolls among many others.
Nothing beats the smile of a child. From the time they saw the toys, the children in the evacuation center attentively formed a line as if they were at a school flag ceremony.
The children eyed the pile of toys with curiosity and excitement. As they received their present, happiness was written all over their faces.
MAKILALA KIDS. Makilala kids raise their fingers indicating their respective ages in one of the activities. Supplied photo.
SISTERS. These beautiful girls pause for a pose as they received identical stuffed toys. Supplied photo.
RACE CARS.These little kids immediately turn on their toy cars' engines and drove the way through their imagination. Supplied photo.
The relief operation went smoothly through a systematic way of distributing the donations. The vegetables were reserved for the parents, the mothers in particular. These vegetables included eggplant, mung bean (mongo), fresh potato and squash.
Based on the data gathered during the RDANA, they eat a lot of canned goods and noodles. To provide them with healthier options for their meals, the team decided to include vegetables in the donations.
Aside from the vegetables, each household also received a set of hygiene kit inclusive of a bath soap, detergent soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, and sanitary napkin.
VEGETABLES. During the relief operation, parents receive vegetables and place them inside their eco bags. Supplied photo.
On the second day of the relief operation, the Sustainable Sanitation team (Meiyoshi A Masgon, William V Repulo, and Dr Stephen Sapiera) held a discussion on sanitation, covering the cause and effect of having a clean and safe sanitation. They also prepared a guide on how to use the waterless toilets.
After the discussion, Repulo conducted a hands-on procedure on the installation of the waterless toilets. The men in the area listened attentively on the demonstration of the installation.
PROCEDURE. Meiyoshi A Masgon (left) and William V Repulo (right) carefully explained the parts of the waterless toilet to the residents. Supplied photo.
TEAMWORK. The residents worked together to contruct a waterless toliet. Supplied photo.
Although, XU provided response on disasters, Nestor Banuag said that the recent disaster is a challenge for XU on how equipped it is in terms of disaster management.
“It’s good to revive the DRM program for more responsive and sustained efforts on how to respond," Banuag said. "This is not just a plain work."
A MOTHER'S JOY. After she received her gifts, this mother genuinely smiled at the camera as she thanked everyone for the donations. Supplied photo.
The Makilala Relief Operation was a success and it can be seen in the faces of the people who received the donations with humble and grateful hearts.
It may have ended but the impact it made to the lives of the people will surely give them hope until they eventually move out of the evacuation centers and go back to their homes.∎