Written By Neyzielle Ronnicque Cadiz, Writer, Operation Blessing Philippines
“Operation Blessing (OB) is the only organization that came to see us even though typhoon Ruby had still not made its landfall. Thank you because you somehow brought assurance of hope despite our fear,” said Natalia Hagarap, 59. Lola Naty is among the beneficiaries of the OB transitional houses built in Barangay San Fernando, Basey, Western Samar.
She dreaded the scenario she was in a year and a month ago when typhoon Yolanda literally washed away everything she had; not even a trace of the concrete pavement of her then bungalow remained. She narrated how she exerted all her strength to run to the field where she found refuge with her husband and two of her grandchildren.
Crying, she said that she doesn’t want to experience lying on the bare ground for two days, without mat nor blanket to ease the cold of the night. She said she feels helpless as she can’t stand another typhoon stealing all her husband’s hardships in a single blow of the storm surge; doesn’t want her grandchildren shivering with fear because of the same disaster that spared nothing.
When an OB staff member asked her what she needs, she said, “We need your constant prayer that we will be safe wherever we go. If it is God’s plan to let us experience another typhoon’s wrath, we cannot do anything, but still, please pray that it won’t be as harmful as Yolanda.”
“I really appreciate your concern and help to my family. You are indeed a blessing. These relief goods will help us survive the disaster, unlike last year when we only ate cassava for two straight weeks,” she added.
Even before typhoon Ruby entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility, Operation Blessing already devised plans and strategies to meet the needs of the beneficiaries of OB’s projects in Samar and Leyte. Relief goods were packed and distributed, trauma counselling was conducted, and coordination meetings were done to pacify everyone’s anxious hearts.
We are reaching more individuals aside from our current beneficiaries. Typhoon Ruby left so much devastation in Samar, Leyte, Batangas, Bicol, and other affected provinces, and OB is now helping in their rehabilitation. Help us extend aid to our typhoon-affected fellowmen. Call us at 477-7802 to 04 to know more about our disaster response efforts.
