On 16 December 2021, while New Zealand and the rest of the world were excited and preparing for the Christmas holidays, Super Typhoon Rai (local name, Odette) hit the Philippines, affecting the Visayas and Mindanao areas.
As Rai pounded the Philippines, heavy rainfall, strong and gusty winds impacted several areas around the storm’s path. Many areas across the Visayas and Mindanao lost electricity with several provinces and areas being deprived further of communication services. Downed trees obstructed many roadways, and flooding was a major problem across the affected regions, particularly Bohol, where the storm was described as “one of the worst for the province”. Rivers also overflowed across Cagayan de Oro, while numerous buildings sustained damages. Surigao City was reported to be completely damaged, and appealed for aid. Bohol also pleaded for help to the government due to the damages Rai brought to the area. A state of calamity has been placed in the province and Cebu.
Typhoon Rai, Wikipedia
The UNCHR (United Nations Commission on Human Rights) Philippines video below summarises Super Typhoon Odette’s aftermath.
Throughout Christmas and New Year, we monitored closely the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts that government and non-government agencies were doing.
I learned about the sufferings that my super typhoon-affected friends and family went through their Facebook posts.
On 2 January 2022, I read the Facebook post that Henna, Development Ministries Director, Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC) put up on behalf of the City Christian Center community in Carcar, Cebu.
After reading Henna’s post, I enquired further about the situation at the City Christian Center, their pastor, and their community. I also learned more about the important role that the CPBC Development Ministries are doing in times of calamities.
While the devastation was widespread and varied in degree in many towns and cities of Visayas and Mindanao, we also looked at the possibility and accessibility of getting or receiving help from outside of the community.
Per experience and learning, the large and popular city or town centers usually get immediate attention from government and non-government organizations.
I shared Henna’s appeal with the Hopevale Trust. On 5th January, the trust sent their financial help to the CPBC Development Ministries for the City Christian Center rehabilitation.
Hopevale Trust appreciates the opportunity to partner with CPBC, through our coordination and support, to help in this small way their ministry in the face of this calamity.
We are thankful to Henna Baclagon Caipang and pastors, Ramil and Deza Jawili for their leadership and commitment to help the City Christian Center and community.
Accomplishment Report on the Hopevale Trust Support to City Christian Center
By Henna Baclagon-Caipang
Due to the lockdowns and the threats of COVID-19, travel was restricted. Communication with Pastor Ramil Jawili was done online. Despite this, the final implementation plan was done.
The transfer of funds based on the budget agreed and with the canvass of materials were done, also. The target beneficiaries were identified as per prioritization because the need surpasses the fund available.
The 40 beneficiaries identified are among those with difficulties recovering and do not have any access to any assistance.
Among the many who are affected, these 40 families were so glad to be part of the assistance from Hopevale Trust of New Zealand. The shelter repair kits are G.I. sheets and umbrella nails.
To make sure that the roofing of houses is done, the Development Ministries implemented the strategy established during the Haiyan Comprehensive Response, to organize a group called “Task-Force Pamanday” (pamanday comes from the Ilonggo word “panday,” which means “carpenter”).
Ramil Jawili leading.
The task force is composed of skilled or those with knowledge in carpentry to help fix roofs, especially the homes of the elderly, persons-with-disability (PWDs), pregnant women beneficiaries.
The Filipino spirit of helping one another in the community we called “Bayanihan”.
In this system, we are not only helping them in the repair and provision of material things but also establishing and creating a community of people who feel each other, see each other and hear each other.
Not just building or repairing houses but also building and repairing relationships in the community where they co-exist and live harmoniously.
The Task-Force Pamanday scheduled the repairs and with Pastor Ramil Jawili’s supervision, followed the health and safety protocols that the government had set to avoid transmission of COVID-19 and accidents.
Pastor Ramil monitored the project. He closely supervised the project implementation to ensure that the repairs were done well, volunteers worked safely, and healthy.
The CPBC Development Ministries provided tokens for volunteers to appreciate their work and contribution to this disaster response. We gave them a pack of rice and food items for their families.
Conclusion
On behalf of the beneficiaries, the CPBC Development Ministries would like to express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Hopevale Trust for the assistance. Through them, we were able to respond to the needs of City Christian Center, Carcar, Cebu.
The assistance is a big help to families that suffered many difficulties that Typhoon Odette caused and worsened because of the COVID-19.
Our prayers for God’s blessings and peace be with us all.
(The CPBC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Jerson Narciso has duly noted Henna’s report).
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