As everyone knows that some part of Mindanao was totally damaged by typhoon Pablo in the beginning week of December. We went to the area a week after the typhoon hit. It was my first time seeing a typhoon hit area. I’ve been hearing from the news and seeing on TV how bad the places were. But really looking the place personally its more difficult.
It’s hard to explain to all of you. My heart was torn into pieces when seeing the kids or the elderly carrying buckets to get some water, they have to walk quite a ways to get some too. We brought some water when we went there. Of course we favor the kids and the elderly, we gave them first of the stuff we have. No matter how chaotic the people there were to get the stuff, we really looked for the older people and the kids first. Everyone of us knows already whose on top of our list to be given.
Some people were so polite and just waited their turn. Others were just so aggressive that they will just snatch the stuff from the elderly. We had to get it from them and give it to the person we are intending to give. Later they know that we don’t put up with their aggressiveness. We have to take charge at some point. If they don’t listen really we just left them there and go to some other areas. While driving we saw one elderly and gave her stuff, all of a sudden there are 5 to 10 people coming running towards the truck. Wow, they must have a very good vision to see what’s going on from a good distance away, AMAZING. It’s really something though. People now were begging money or something on the roadside. They have to do what they need to do to survive.
Just seeing the devastation, I could never imagine the faces of the kids in fear. I’m sure with the wind blowing so loudly and strong it scares the kids to death. Most houses there lost their roofs. Some houses even flew from one place to the other. Metals from the roof all over the place. Some good looking houses before the roofs were bent and others the gutters were gone.
We went to the main area in Monkayo. They had a nice gym there (shown in the photo above), just by looking at it, it’s not that old. But Pablo really damaged that gym. The roof was totally damaged. Just by looking at the angle we were at when we parked our truck to take some pictures I was thinking that all the roofs were all gone. I’m hoping that the town will rebuild soon with the help of the government of course. Some stores there were still muddy in front. Just by looking all the devastated area that we passed by, I was thinking it will take years and years for the place to rebuild. I just hope that the local officials will really pursue the high up government officials to help them.
I’m hoping that the farmers will get enough help from the government to rebuild soon. All the farms there were totally damaged. The crops were all damaged by the flood and the winds. I’ve seen most of the plants lying on the ground. Driving from Tagum down to ComVal area was so depressing now. It used to be so green and vibrant.
The most depressing part of the trip was hearing and seeing what the needs of the people and we don’t have the stuff in our truck anymore to give them. Let me tell you it was a heartache. They need the stuff badly but you can’t give it to all to them. I felt sorry for those people. Please still continue praying for the people there!
***On the other note: I personally give THANKS to the friends of Bob and some of them my friends too on Facebook on making our trip to COMVAL possible. You guys’ help means a lot to us and most especially to those people there. You guys really had a big heart. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you again!!!***
As of this week the people have yet to see much help. The churches here in Tagum City are making trips each week with food and water. I have read that is will take 10 to 12 years to rebuild. That is a long time! Thanks to Bob for the help!!
Hi Gary – I’m so glad that lots of people still helping there in ComVal area. Most schools and churches here in the city still accepting donations for the Pablo victims. I am hoping the recovery will be sooner than 10 years but you know the process here sometimes it could take longer than 12 years too.
Thank you so much for appreciating our helped out there. I am thanking God for the good hearts of some of our friends from Facebook too for that.
Always good to see you here Gary. Have a Happy New Year and a fruitful 2013!
Sad, sad to see. Glad ya’ll are able &willing to help out. Also glad. You have the courage to help those most in need while standing up to the more aggressive ones. Been involved in some refugee situations while I was in the army. A hungry mob is not pretty.
Take care,
Pete
Hi Cordellero Cowboy – Very sad indeed. Thank you for seeing the little helped we’ve done there. I felt sorry for the elderly and the kids. They can’t fight back with the aggressiveness of others. I’ve seen hungry mobs there for sure. Just had to be firm on them. We just left with our supply if they get to be so aggressive for us. We don’t put up with that.
Take care too and have a Happy New Year!
Mrs Feyma,
Thanks so much for all that you guys have done for the victims. When dealing with aggressive people that don’t want to wait, its best just to leave and go someplace else thats more organized. Hopefully they can begin the process of rebuilding soon, but i have a feeling it will take years to completely rebuild. Take care and have safe New Year.
Hmm dont think my first message posted. Good to see that you guys are alive and well, how are the kids? Never thought you would ever leave Davao. My current girllfriend lives in Butuan, so I am sure that we will bump into eachother in 2013. Really cool to know that you live there now. Give Feyma a big hug and kiss for me
We are doing great, John. Still living in Davao. It was somebody else who wrote the article about Butuan. Hope you are also doing well. Happy New Year.