Sobra naman! This is what many utter in the country these days as two typhoons came one after the other and devastated almost the whole Philippines- first, Ondoy which surprised the whole of Metro Manila with the briskness with which floodwaters submerged the cities of Marikina, Cainta, Antipolo, San Mateo, Pasig and lower parts of Manila. A big part of Quezon City ( where I reside) was spared of floods but still, there were many rendered homeless or their homes destroyed. Ondoy is said to have dumped the heaviest rains in MetroManila in more than 40 years.
Scarcely have rescue been completed when Pepeng entered the country and devastated most of Northern Luzon where 90% of Pangasinan went underwater, La union suffered a similar fate but to a lesser degree, and there is now fear that Baguio City may run out of food and other basic supplies because of the inability to access the Mountain Province because of landslides.
Between them, Ondoy and Pepeng caused direct misery to 3.3 million citizens, and difficulties to millions more, Php 5.5 billion damage to crops and death to 300 people.
On the Sunday after Ondoy’s wrath, my niece Marjorie called me up to tell me that she will make the rounds to see how our relatives fared. They live in Marikina and Cainta cities. Marjorie was one of the lucky ones in Marikina City whose home was spared of the rising floodwaters. Driving her husband’s Pajero (because she was afraid her small Toyota might just float as there were still flood in the streets)
What she saw, she reported later, really made her cry- all around were wrecked houses,cars that floated the night before and bumped into one another, people on the roof, and a general confusion that was a result of shock and unpreparedness by families for such an event. She saw my nephew Jerome’s house in Cainta City flooded to ceiling height. She persuaded the family to ride with her so she can take them to her house. My eldest niece Deanna had the same fate. She lives in Marikina(in a newly- purchased dreamhouse) just across Roosevelt College. The flood was also up to the ceiling of her home. Worse, she was alone with her youngest son when it all happened- husband Johnand sons Gian and Joey were stranded in the offices and/ or school. She must have felt utter desperation at the time. My brother Hec who bought his home at SSS Village just over a year ago had to evacuate his family to nearby Marikina Hotel whose owner and staff he says, were so kind to the residents who flocked the place as the flood- waters rose. He brought with him his wife Susan, daughter Jaz , husband and son, and another grandchild Samantha whose parents(mom Janice is his daughter) were stranded in San Juan and had to pass the night in their car along Pinaglabanan street( they could not cross the flooded streets).
Driving back to her home, Marj finally brought with her the youngest members of the family, together with either his/ her mother or father. Some had to stay back where they can see their flooded homes to make sure that no looters will enter and add more misery to their lives.
Quickly, she mobilized her staff- 3 robust sons, a daughter (equally able-bodied as she is a ladies’ badminton champ) and Nanay Lina, home assistant, caretaker and mader maderan rolled into one. They cooked big calderos and kawa full of rice and whatever ulams she could concoct from out of the contents of her big freezer. She also asked for trays and trays of eggs from hubby jesse who works with Cobbs. By lunchtime, she, now with her children made ikot again to distribute hot food to relatives who stayed in their homes, and other residents they saw on the way. Everyone needed some hot food in their stomachs.
I here in Cubao had to wait it out till my Tamaraw FX could be able to traverse the road to Marikina. Meantime, I purchased food supplies. I have never seen a Makro wholesailer store this empty- binili na halos lahat ang goods nila! I was able to get sacks of rice, noodles, de latas, thermos bottles, and few kilos frozen chicken. Ubus na raw yung 15- kilo chicken box that I used to get- mura yun ‘cause wholesale. In Farmers’ Market, I bought a box of gg (big imported galunggong), fresh dilis, and veggies.
These were delivered by my sis Joy, my kids Myka and RJ and niece Carina to Marjorie’s house to cook and distribute to flood victims.
Meantime, I had to go to a different direction- in Retiro to help out best friend Ed Villarante, freelance tv director and masscomm head at Centro Escolar U. He has lived in his home for 40 years and he says this is the first time that flood almost ( by inches!) reached his ceiling. His is an old house whose ceiling is 12 feet high. He was stranded at CEU at the time of the flooding. He led prayers as he and 800 students were stranded there. He said he was crying as he was praying. That is because of his concern for his 85 year- old mom who was staying in the house in Retiro only with one kasambahay.
When I got to him, he was washing things that could still be used. His appliances were all out in the yard rendered kaput by the flood that came inside the first floor. He was specially thankful for the sack of rice that was part of the groceries I gave him.. Hirap daw maghanap at bumili as the rice in the stores were nabaha din. And the small tv and cassette radio so they will be abreast of the news.
I am sure all of you in Canada were witness to the heroism of many groups who came to the rescue of flood victims. The tv networks quickly launched relief operations. Government tried to do its duty the best it could. Ordinary residents ( where my family belongs) likewise chipped in whatever little help they could to provide relief to hapless, helpless victims.
While the situation in MetroManila is gradually being normalized, attention is now veered to Northern Luzon. The devastation is greater there, I think. After the rescue and relief operations, a quick rehabilitation needs to be done for people to get back on their feet.
It is my deepest hope that the people greatly affected by the wrath of the two floods will have deeper faith in our Maker. People have gotten back on their feet after misfortune. I know and I feel that they will do so again. Prayers do not provide the solution. They do however, develop us into stronger human beings determined to survive and surmount our problems.
It is also my great wish that our very own countrymen will not take advantage of the situation. Aid for the flood victims should be just for them and not for the unscrupulous’ pockets/ wallets.
And lastly, I pray for the strengthening of the bond that bind us as countrymen, brothers and sisters, living in the country or overseas. Let us help one another especially in these very trying times. The help may not come in the form of material aid. A big moral support will be the kind that our devastated countrymen will likewise appreciate.
I also pray that strong typhoons cease to pummel the nation in a long, long time.
Till next issue, my dear friends!
For your comments and suggestions, please email me at mediastrat@gmail.com
By nori d. sagun
