Written by Frederick Deserva, writer and photographer
Massive floods ravaged parts of Marikina as the southwest monsoon, worsened by typhoon Josie, hit in July 22.
Lisa Francisco, 40 years old, was worried about what they would eat the next day. She has 11 children and 6 grandchildren living in a small house. All she had was faith.
While her husband Leo makes a living by delivering water containers to their neighbors, Lisa sells vegetables in the market.
But then, it had been impossible for Lisa to sell her vegetables during and after the disaster. Some national roads were suddenly not passable.
“I seek hope from God because He is the only one who can help us in times of distress. He is always with us and ready to help because He would never forget His people,” Lisa said in Fiipino.
Operation Blessing provided relief supplies to the affected families in Brgy. Tumana, Marikina City where Lisa lives. More than 100 families received food packs containing 5kg rice, canned goods, noodles, coffee, sugar, and box of milk plus a Bible. The kids in the area received hygiene kits with soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and shampoo.
“I am so grateful that you reached out to us and that we are one of the people that received your assistance because at this time food is scarce. I can’t sell because of the rains and my husband can’t do his deliveries because of the flood,” Lisa exclaimed.
Lisa and her family no longer fear that they would go to bed hungry that day.
