Written By Astrid Raisa Subingsubing, Writer, Operation Blessing Philippines

The floods caused by typhoon Mario affected many areas in Metro Manila, including Angono, Rizal. For the relief distribution in that area, Operation Blessing partnered with LJC My Life and My Strength Christian Church. But the volunteers themselves were not spared from the typhoon’s damage.

Minda Ramirez, 35, a former leader during previous evacuation operations, found herself at the school-turned-evacuation center come Friday night at the height of the storm. “Ni-rescue kami ng mga taga-munisipyo, (We were rescued by the people from the municipal office,)” she shared. The flood water had entered their home, which is situated on the riverside. The river had risen about (3) three feet higher due to the flood waters. Minda’s family was rescued at around 5 pm that day, and they spent the night at the school, returning to their home the next morning.

Minda’s home in Brgy. San Roque is the venue for the weekly feeding program for children conducted by the church on Saturdays. A weekly Bible study is held in their area as well. Her family, including her three sons aged 12, 9 and 7, also regularly attend the Sunday services.

Thankfully, they didn’t experience any big problems at the evacuation site. No one from her family came down with any diseases.

Having received relief packs for her family as well as her sister’s, each of which contained three (3) manna packs (which consist of rice, dried carrots and other vegetables), five (5) packs of noodles and four (4) canned goods, Minda wholeheartedly expressed her thanks to Operation Blessing. “Malaking tulong, blessing talaga mula kay God, (It’s a big help, truly a blessing from God,)” she said. “Sana hipuin kayo ng Diyos na tuwing may bagyo mayroong ganyan. (May the Lord touch your heart to give every time there is a storm.)”