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Special Issue: SENDONG

Service at the Frontier

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011 2 Contents Contents 3 Contents 4 Message 22 Avoiding a Strike 3 Xavier Magazine Special Issue: Seen and Heard SENDONG 24 famous people and friends 5 Xavier Festival who helped out in the relief Days 2011 and rebuilding Round-up The Xavier Days pack music, Of finding hope and faith exhibitions, films and homecomings into a celebration of 26 heroic leadership Tsukulit: a bitter-sweet 27 remembrance 8 Milestones Reflections 28 Volunteers share their encounters and experience 9 News Chem Eng’g stude named as BPI Top 10 Outstanding Expat Pinoy HELP CDO: Meet the person behind the Child 30 overnight sensation. One person’s appeal becomes everyone’s call to action XUCL honored with Outstanding Law School award

Feature

Tabang Sendong: from relief 19 to rehab A look inside XU’s Operation Tabang Sendong

Cover Story The Morning After Cagayan de Oro witnesses the outbreak 10 of the greatest devastation to hit the city in recent memory and Xavier University responds quickly

XAVIER MAGAZINE SPECIAL ISSUE: SENDONG OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011 Message 4 News e all celebrated one’s heroic deed. You all are the Xavier Festival Days 2011 Round-up Christmas in a very heroic leaders of Operation Tabang unusual fashion in Sendong! avier University celebrated its 78th Festival Days from Nov W 29 to Dec 3 with the theme ‘Xavier Engage: Creating New 2011. And the celebration of the Thank you once again for spending Possibilities.’ The celebration accentuated heroic leadership season had been made more X a meaningful Christmas season alluding to the 150th birth anniversary of Dr Jose P Rizal and the meaningful thanks to the spirit with us at Xavier; our operations change of presidents within the University. Fr George Esguerra SJ, of generosity of each volunteer- Vice President for Mission and Ministry, presided the Opening Mass. started with a small band of -most gave their time, others about ten students, mostly ROTC gave material goods, while others members and Mr Nestor Banuag. shared talent. Most if not all XU One of the first cash gifts we volunteers shared a wonderful received was less than twenty pesos combination of time, talent and avier Festival Days 2011 was officially and a few bottles of purified water declared open by University President Fr material resource such that XU and some pastry. Our numbers Roberto “Bobby” Yap SJ. Fr Bobby related Tabang Sendong Operations X grew and the gifts received how St Francis Xavier set out from Europe to Asia evolved into the most organized in his mission of creating new possibilities to multiplied many times over. relief and rehabilitation center to spread the gospel, and to proclaim the good news Thanks to each one’s generosity, I the amazement of many. Members of love, compassion and service to the many have personally witnessed God’s peoples of Asia. “We are all invited to become of both local and international miracle of feeding the multitude. heroic leaders and that’s really how we create new aid organizations who have seen possibilities.” He also invited everyone not only so much relief operations in their The first miracle (documented in to enjoy the many activities but also to “reflect on career--could not help but be in awe the gospel of John) began with a how we can become truly heroic leaders, how we can create new possibilities as we try to serve our at the coordination, dedication and young lad’s offering of his “baon” Fr Eric G Velandria SJ church, our city, our country and our region.” efficiency of each one of you. that day. From the boy’s offering Convener, of two fish and five loaves of Operation: Tabang Sendong Volunteer leaders have been truly bread and the Lord’s prayer of exceptional in modeling what it thanksgiving, 5,000 were fed. In means to be a person-for-others. 2011, in our own lifetime here in The relief processing area leaders CdO, you and I witnessed how had been visibly impressive. Many God gave us the privilege to attend other team leaders were working to the hunger and other needs of just as hard making meaning of countless Sendong survivors. field reports and responding in a timely and appropriate manner Thank you for saying “YES!” to to the needs of survivors in terms God’s invitation to be truly persons- ollowing the Diamond Jubilee he XU Band staged their first concert rom the regular thumping beats of first aid, trauma counseling, for-others. We thank the Lord for celebration The field demonstration as a bonafide student organization of of marches, to the scintillating highlighted the participation of the XU. Although established many years melodies of pop and rock music, potable water, sanitation, and the privilege of having been called F T F Grade School. Students from all grade back, the group was recognized as an official the IMOVE Concert, which followed deploying properly oriented to serve others and be God’s levels moved to the rhythm of our very student organization only in 2010. The Band, right after the XU Band’s performance, volunteers, etc. Other team leaders presence to God’s own people in own regional folk dances. The activity made up of clarinet, trumpet, percussion, comprised songs promoting the were almost “invisible” yet just CdO and Iligan, ad majorem Dei was also a celebration of the Feast of the trombone, flute, saxophone, French horn values of self-awareness, ingenuity, as busy making sure we were gloriam--all for the greater glory of Holy Guardian Angels. and baritone sections, played March music, love and heroism – the pillars of Christmas carols and contemporary tunes, Ignatian leadership in Chris Lowney’s served food on time, cleaning and God. r including Filipino novelty songs, from the book on heoric leadership. Toward the equipping our work stations with 70’s onwards. end of the concert, lanterns bearing proper tools, gathering information messages of hope were released to the about the status of each XU sky accompanied by the late Francis community member, collating and Magalona’s “Kaleidoscope” playing in ikes and tri-sikads owned the road writing news stories from the field the background. The soft, yellow light of during the community parade that the lanterns shone like the stars in the and communicating XU operations Blaunched Atenista Ako Movement’s sky as they floated away to the hands of through the world wide web. I advocacy on promoting a sustainable God. could go on and on citing each environment and greener campus. The “sikads” were decorated with recyclables and organic materials.

XAVIER MAGAZINE SPECIAL ISSUE: SENDONG fter their sikad parade, the participants were he cultural night welcomed with a sumptuous feast of native dubbed Kinauyokan Adelicacies served on buffet tables along the T(core) showcased University Main Lane. The food fest was part of the OPM hits, and neo- advocacy on environmental sustainability and used ethnic and contemporary only biodegradable materials in serving food. dances. The ultimate goal of Kinauyokan was the promotion of Filipino Art and Culture. In the same line, the Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts sponsored CineMulat, which featured foreign films and aimed to give the igh School students took center stage in the Engage audience lessons on film Variety Show designed to showcase and promote high appreciation. Hschool talent. The students, themselves, organized the show which carried teamwork as its theme. Although a competition, the song and dance performances were pure t was XUHS Batch ’87’s turn to organize the XUHS fun. In contrast, participants battled hard in the Engage Homecoming 2011. The different batches took out and Game Show, a quiz show organized for public high school Ipolished their old guitars to entertain their fellow alumni. The students and XU college students, respectively. At stake was Alumni Awards and Fellowship Night highlighted the week-long a scholarship grant worth P10,000.00 for the high school celebration. Outstanding Alumni Awards were presented by category won by Kristine Joy Ramos of Cugman National High the XU-Ateneo de Cagayan Alumni Association to the various School, and a cash prize of P5,000.00 for the collegiate level. XU alumni who have done an excellent job in the fields of Prizes like Smart cell phones, Spruce sandals, Smart Internet professional service, public service, community service and broadband, bags and key chains were also raffled off to the religious service, among others. Alumni scholars were also treated audience and participants. to an event of their own. The Crusaders’ Night honored alumni scholars of Xavier, including scholarship benefactors and donors. In response, current scholars pledged to donate P10.00 each year to help fund more scholars.

avier University hosted friendly games atterned after the much celebrated eminarians and deacons of St John with Silliman University (SU) and Corpus noontime show, “Showtime,” XU Vianney and some XU students XChristi School. XU played against Silliman Pdebuted XU Time, the first of its kind Sstaged, “Kalis,” a play about the life University in college soccer and basketball, while in the history of the Xavier Festival Days. of martyr, Fr Agustin Samson Consunji. XUGS and XUHS went head to head against Students showed what they got in terms of Corpus Christi School. The Central Student talent to an audience who held out score Government also organized an All-Star Game cards after every performance. featuring basketball star players from XU’s he XU community paid tribute to colleges and schools grouped into the AMDG and St Francis Xavier, patron of mis- sions, by offering wreaths in honor Magis teams. T and the recognition of the wisdom of the man Xavier Days are about. The Atenean Mass followed the wreath- laying ceremony and served as the closing mass of Xavier Festival Days. Mass goers were introduced to songs arranged by XU alumnus Jed Balsamo and sung by the Glee Club.

ne of the most popular events during the agnificent fireworks, regarded as the grandest ever in Xavier Xavier Days, the Christmas Carol contest drew Days history, marked the closing of the 2011 Festival Days, Oall the colleges to a night of joyous caroling Mbut not before Xavier Victories were celebrated in a hip-hop inside the Immaculate Conception Chapel. dance party. As Xavier Days ended, anticipation for future engage- ments and creation of new possibilities only intensified. r 8 News News 9

Engr Eugenio Caga, Engr Ariel Dablio, Engr “Olympics of Debate” was held at De La Jose Valledor and Galicano Yeban, all faculty Salle University in Manila from Dec 28 to members of the said Department, obtained Jan 4. NC Level 3 for Electrical Installation and Maintenance from the TESDA Regional XU was one of only two Philippine MILESTONES Training Center. universities to advance to the quarterfinals, the other being UP Diliman. NC Level 2 for the same competency was XUCL also awarded to Olivia Lim, faculty member Philippine Statistics honored with New Chemical New Civil Engineers of the Computer and Electronics Department Outstanding XU earned a passing average of 53% (17 of and Ma Lucille Pacamo, coordinator of the Quiz winners Zamina C Sabenecio, 1st year BS Computer Engineers 32) in the licensure examination for Civil Modular Programs Department. Law School Seven of our 2011 graduates passed Science, placed 3rd in the national finals Engineering. The national passing average the licensure examination for Chemical of the Philippine Statistics Quiz Show award was 34%. Chem Eng’g stude Engineering given by the Professional New Teachers held at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Xavier University ranked 5th best performing he Legal Education Regulation Commission in November. They on December 6. Zamina was also the The new Civil Engineers are Manuel D school nationwide in the Secondary Level named as BPI Top 10 Board bestowed an are Christylene S Balagtas, Maria Niña C champion at the provincial and regional Almanzor III, Laurimar Bernard D Angeles, based on results of the Licensure Examination Outstanding Law Bañares, Dexby P De Guzman, Ven Jordan B James Oliver S Aquino, Ian Retchie G Awing, levels. T for Teachers (LET) held in September. XU had Outstanding Expat School award to the Xavier Diputado, Ben Isac A Escabarte, Catherine C Rodil B Barbas, Brian R Bautista, Mark a passing average of 85% in the BSED and Meanwhile, Paolo Araune, 1st year BS Math, University College of Law Lagat and Ilea A Verano. Vincent S Borong, Renaissance C Candia, 74% in the BEED. The total national passing placed 2nd in the Provincial Statistics Quiz Pinoy Child (XUCL) for being one of Christy Anne Marie C Colanse, Loudane G XU earned a passing percentage of 64 against average was 27% (23368/86900). held in October. Curig, Dale Aloysius M Dael, Ralf Joseph M ourth year BS Chemical Engineering student and the ten best performing law the national passing average of 47%. Ebuña, Jofferdale Q Gallamaso, Laser Jake outgoing vice president of the Central Student schools in the country based LET 10th placer Government Dean Cris Acabo was proclaimed C Jalop, Frances F La Victoria, Jerry June L MOAPTBETI Skills F on bar exam results in the High School Principal Fr Joaquin Jose Mari C one of the ten outstanding expat Pinoy children in a New Electronics Noval, Aaron R Pamatong, Gerard Josen A past 10 years. Likewise, Dean Sumpaico III SJ placed 10th in the Secondary Olympics 3rd placers nationwide search by the Bank of the Philippine Islands Santos and Jiemar James C Tolitol. Raul Villanueva was conferred Engineers Level of LET with a score of 85.60%. Center for Integrated Technologies (CIT) (BPI). Dean was also chosen to give the privilege The October 2011 licensure exam for students Ron Reggie Lim and Aurlan Ostria speech on behalf of the winners during the awarding a plaque for Outstanding Law Electronics Engineering yielded XU a passing First Batch of Certified landed 3rd place in the Misamis Oriental ceremony on Nov 18 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati. Dean. percentage of 64.71, higher than the national Totus Tuus Association of Public/Private Technology- In his speech, he shared his struggles as a child with an The awarding ceremony passing average of only 36.86%. Industrial Engineers Based Education and Training Institutions, Congratulations to XU’s first batch of Outstanding Alumna absent father, not different from the struggles of many Inc (MOAPTBETI) Skills Olympics held on was held on November 11 at Industrial Engineers Jowee Ann B Galeron OFW children. The new Electronic Engineers are Russel G Awardee December 2. the Manila Pavilion during and Lurina Andrea Lupango. XU’s passing Almonte, Darryl O Arevalo, Oliver Michael L Development Communication professor and “The stories of OFW families are always a story of the celebration of the Legal Ching, Bryan Anthony C Degoma, Marymae rate is100%; national passing rate is 53.60% Research and Outreach coordinator of the Ron and Aurlan competed in the Computer struggles. The happy ending will always come… as long Education Board’s second (52/97) P Hermoso, Willes Niño S Hong, Jan Vincent College of Agriculture Dr Ma Theresa Rivera Hardware Servicing category. The event was as our faith in our Lord will remain unwavering.” anniversary. Members of was bestowed the Totus Tuus (All that I am T Lim, Yves Clent Llausas, Keith John Reymart organized and hosted by CIT. It involved the Supreme Court, other is Yours) Outstanding Alumna Award by Dean’s father left the family to become an electrical G Magsayo, Carlo C Miñon and Arnan Joey A New CIT Trainors participants from schools in Misamis appellate courts, officers of Timogan. Ms Jolly Guba, Engr Eugenio Caga, Engr Ariel the University of Sto Tomas Education High Oriental with TESDA registered programs. foreman in Saudi Arabia when Dean was only in Grade 4. Despite the loneliness and the absence of a father the Philippine Association Dablio, Engr Jose Valledor and Mr Galicano School General Alumni Association, Inc. figure, Dean was able to channel his energy in his of Law Schools, Philippine Yeban, faculty members of the Computer New Electrical The award is given to Thomasians who Voice of Democracy academic and community involvement. and Electronics Technology Department Association of Law Professors embody the call for service to their fellowmen. Engineers of the Center for Integrated Technologies, 2nd placer Dean is a full academic scholar and a recipient of a and Integrated Bar of the The award came in the light of UST’s 400th 4 out of 5 passed the EE Board Exam last obtained National Certification Level 2 (NC Kirtham Novriel Dumpa of 4-Regis won DOST scholarship, in which he is president of the Philippines, deans from founding anniversary and Dr Rivera’s alma April 2011. The new Engineers are Aga Louie 2) for Electrical Installation and Maintenance 2nd place in the Inter-High School Voice of DOST Region 10 Scholars’ Guild. Adept in science and various law schools in the mater UST Education High School’s 60th E Abellanosa, Joshua A Dairo, Rommel from the Technical Education and Skills Democracy Oratorical Contest sponsored by math, he has joined and won several competitions country and other government anniversary. L Tianzon, and Edward Nelson O Ty. For Development Authority (TESDA) Training the XU-Alumni Association on Dec 1. including, notably, the Southeast Asia Mathematics dignitaries grace the event. September 2011 EE Board, 14 out of 15 made Center. Olympiad. it. These were Mark Daryll R Abadies, Harry The Xavier University College Debating Circle takes Chemistry Olympiad His academic accomplishments encouraged him to F Albances, Jan Roy B Amparo, Bhomar T New National 15th spot in the World join the BPI search under the Ibang Klaseng Talino of Law is dedicated to Bancale, Junas P Basco, Kristoffer Lou M 3rd placer category. The other categories are Ibang Klaseng developing competent and XUHS student Judd Vallente of 3-Bobola Beltis, Christopher R Bilar, Carlo Angelo E Certification Holders University Debate Community Leader, Ibang Klaseng Entrepreneur and socially-conscious lawyers placed 3rd in the City level Chemistry Cahoy, Alexander S Estrella, Serge Michael Engr Erwin Li, Director of CIT, and his Ibang Klaseng Artist/Athlete. who see the legal profession R Oracion, Paul Januarius B Pabualan, Karl Mechanical Technology faculty member Louie Championships Olympiad held on December 10. Judd will The Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan foremost as public service. As Kevin R Sario, Ace Renly T Tejada, Aljan P Francis Naïve earned NC Level 2 for Technical be competing in Regional level Chemistry Given the various categories, Dean hopes to inspire Parliamentary Debating Circle placed 15th in attested by the award, XUCL Uson. Drafting from the Cagayan de Oro School of Olympiad in January 2012. r other Mindanaoans to join the search next year, as he the English as a Second Language category, has consistently placed in Arts and Trade. was the only one from Mindanao selected in the top 10 making it to the quarterfinals of the World this year. the top ten performing law Likewise, Jolly Guba, coordinator of the University Debate Championships. The schools in the country based “They should be proud to be Mindanaoans and coming annual tournament considered to be the Computer and Electronics Department, from the province,” he said. r on bar exam results. r XAVIER MAGAZINE SPECIAL ISSUE: SENDONG OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011 10 Picture Story Picture Story 11

etween midnight of December 16, Friday until the early dawn Bhours of Saturday December The Morning After 17, persistent pouring of rain from Typhoon Sendong (although not as by Anna Mary Ellen Obach heavy as Ondoy of three years ago,) aided by the inundated mountain slopes from reckless indiscriminate logging, kaingin, mining and real-estate development activities, managed to make its cruel decapitating presence felt in Cagayan de Oro as well as in Iligan in the west, Hinatuan in the east and Negros in the northwest.

Water levels rose to almost 6 or 7 feet in Cagayan de Oro areas.

esidents watch as the earlier fast flowing waters are calmed by Rdawn, hoping that these continue to ebb and not rise again to the preceding height of almost 7 feet, while remarking on the levels the waters had reached, in relation to the buildings by the riverside.

Talks in sights like these were of wonder at how the water levels went down, almost as quickly as they rose, that residents had scrambled as far away as possible, going towards safer areas, most of their last looks at their homes were of roofs and walls crashing down, furniture and equipment floating out of their homes, rendering them homeless for they- couldn’t-know-yet-until-when. Photos by Norman Tan

XAVIER MAGAZINE SPECIAL ISSUE: SENDONG OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011 12 Cover Story Cover Story 13

Volunteers carefully unload boxes of relief goods from trucks and container vans coming from donors here and abroad. Photo by Charisse Anne Anislag photo by Jose Carlou B. Odchigue photo by Jose Carlou

avier University’s pool of experts Immediately, the University’s KKP through Fr the University Christmas Party which was Right after the 4:30 am Simbang Gabi masses celebrated all over the gathered to plan for disaster response Eric Velandria SJ, provided the early-arrival- scheduled to be celebrated that evening, archdiocese’s churches and chapels (December 17 was only the 2nd day Xand initiate relief operations for experts with venue and other assistance as Dec. 17, at the covered courts with all faculty, of the yearly dawn or aguinaldo mass, otherwise called Simbang Gabi), Sendong victims. they gathered to plan for disaster response personnel and staff attending. At the same by 6 am, people started entering the campus, on foot, in four and two- and to initiate relief operations for the victims time, the prepared food was ordered to be wheeled transports. They came bringing not only themselves but also Early in the morning of December 17, and survivors of Sendong. packed for distribution among the survivors, items they knew would be needed, necessary or could be useful to the the Xavier University community quickly those from the nearby areas of Macasandig survivors or the relief operations. converged at the main campus without The first order of the day, though, was an already starting to come in slow but regular prodding from anyone except their hearts of announcement from Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, XU trickles for refuge in the campus. Relief goods were distributed several times almost everyday to Cura Personalis, to confer among each other President. Although he was miles and seas the different evacuation centers and relief areas. Some volunteers on the status of Cagayan de Oro and to offer away in Luzon, recuperating and undergoing Students from the different colleges and were pointed towards the gym area, with the task of receiving and their selves – time, skills, energy, and their rehab work on his injuries the month before, campuses, high school students included, documenting the relief goods which came in from, initially all over the city, big hearts, to fill in any identified need of the when he was apprised of the situation, trooped to the “old”canteen ( the former later from various parts of the archipelago and much later, the globe. devastated area/s. Fr Bobby announced the cancellation of Aggies satellite canteen which had been designated center of the XU relief operations) XU Tabang Sendong Relief Center: the hub of relief and were not far behind their elders in activities. eager, committed and zealous response to the victims’ and survivors’ need for help, XU, pool of experts comprised the coordinating group for the XU Tabang assistance and support. Sendong Relief Operations and they in turn were in charge of various teams of volunteers assigned to different areas of responsibilities like receiving

Sr Marose of the Carmelite Missionaries B. Odchigue photo by Jose Carlou donations, sorting and packing goods, and deploying goods. Volunteers briefed the volunteers to be deployed for who signed up for deployment work underwent briefing and debriefing distribution of relief goods in the devastated sessions. Volunteer writers and photographers were assigned to document areas. All student volunteers had to sign field reports, write stories, take photos and videos, and disseminate waivers committing themselves and their information through the Tabang Sendong website. Mundane tasks were not time to the relief operations. ignored, because these were equally important for effective organizational Deployment teams underwent debriefing functioning: administrative, finance & logistics, communications, sessions after the distribution of goods. transportation, food/ sustenance for volunteers. The volunteers shared their experiences, Volunteers were deployed to different evacuation centers to distribute relief articulated/verbalized problems encountered, goods. All material donations were sorted and packed for distribution. reflections/realizations acquired while doing After briefing, the deployment volunteers were assigned to the different their deployment tasks. All concerns were evacuation centers like Macasandig, Tibasak, Consolacion, Carmen, noted and immediately addressed by the Kauswagan, church yards where the survivors had converged for refuge/ Execomm heads shelter.

The relief goods that were packed and initially distributed contained clothes, mats and blankets, canned goods and/or noodles. Later on, other needs were articulated or realized and these were put inside the relief packs – photo by Kathleen Emilie Arana

underwear, towels, bottled water, antiseptics, hygiene and sanitation kits. photo by Beryl Jane De la Cruz

XAVIER MAGAZINE SPECIAL ISSUE: SENDONG OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011 14 Cover Story Cover Story 15 A typical sight at the evacuation centers in the early days after Sendong. Survivors rushed to the usual places of refuge in calamities – churches, chapels, DSWD offices, public schools, usually the public elementary schools. Destination: DIGNITY As they converged at the nearest evacuation center, the survivors searched for familiar faces – neighbors, friends, relatives. Usually, they are thankful to have their lives spared and exchanging stories of how they had escaped death.

This time, though, other exchanges could be heard or surmised – people asking around for a husband, wife, sister, brother, grandparent, parent-in-law, grandchild, nephew/niece, househelp, missing, separated from them, forcibly by the cruelly fast swirling torrents of the rising waters. Or informing each other of those they had “passed by” at the same time with the hope (said or unsaid) that those who had slipped from their hold, their grasp, had been pulled to safety by others, or had swam to safety themselves, or had grabbed hold of an empty jug, a piece of wood, a piece of house furniture or equipment to keep them afloat until they could be rescued.

XU faculty, students, staff and Macasandig residents stayed in the covered courts after the devastating flood.

XU has long established itself as an institution in Cagayan de Oro, not just a place for higher

photo by Jose Carlou B. Odchigue photo by Jose Carlou learning or a source of academic excellence. It is a center of city activities, where XU affairs would

affect, include, influence the rest of the city. B. Odchigue photo by Jose Carlou

Then and now, it is a place of refuge and shelter little more than two weeks after, XU the City Social Welfare and Development, keep the survivors comfortable, the temporary (not only for its chapel) but because the whole started on temporary resettlement the Department of Social Welfare and shelter has water supplied by Rio Verde and campus seems to exude an ambience of measures and activities for the Development, the affected barangays and the electricity by the Cagayan Electric Power welcoming relief to the weary, downtrodden, survivors. The XU Board of Trustees Archdiocese. Priority is given to families whose and Light Company, restrooms (including despairing, devastated, lost. In this case, it Aapproved the use of 5 hectares of University houses had been completely washed out and sustainable sanitation toilets) and washrooms seemed like a natural impulse not only for property in Barangay Lumbia as relocation those from barangays declared as no-build provided by the Humanitarian Response Sendong-devastated faculty, staff or students, site. Xavier Ecoville, a joint relocation and zones. Consortium, laundry area, kitchen, waste but residents of neighboring areas as well, resettlement project of XU and the Local disposal system and a multi-purpose center. A Macasandig, Carmen, Balulang. Government of Cagayan de Oro, was born Shown above are the bunkhouses provided mobile school entrusted to Xavier University by by the International Organization for The covered courts are the biggest roofed area in the Department of Education and UNTV, and More than 500 families are set to take up Migration, Department of Social Welfare and the campus so the homeless survivors were led instructional materials from the Knowledge residence at Xavier Ecoville. They are chosen Development, and the 52nd Infantry Battalion there for their temporary shelter. Channel provides out-of-school youth at Xavier from the comprehensive list supplied by of the Philippine Army as temporary shelter. To Ecoville with non-formal education sessions. The seeming normalcy of the evacuees countenance belies their inner fears and worries of photo by Jose Carlou B. Odchigue photo by Jose Carlou their next places of residence, especially for those which areas have now been pronounced no-build zones.

XU offered medical assistance to Sendong victims in different evacuation centers and distributed medicines to recognized organizations also conducting medical missions in different parts of Cagayan de Oro.

Medical assistance/support was also provided by XU’s Tabang Sendong. Medicines were distributed to the survivors housed in the different evacuation centers and basic medical services were conducted on them by XU personnel and volunteers.

Other organizations which were performing medical mission in the Sendong-ed areas also availed of medicines and medications from the XU Tabang Sendong Operations. Some of these were civic or professional organizations, student groups from other schools, or natural groupings of friends or families who had decided

photo by Amor Gordoncillo to pitch in their services to help the survivors in any way. r B. Odchigue and Jerome Torres photo by Jose Carlou XAVIER MAGAZINE SPECIAL ISSUE: SENDONG OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011 16 Cover Story Cover Story 17 Photo by Johnny Cabreira Photo by Haiko Magtrayo

resident Benigno Aquino III visited Xavier Ecoville in the afternoon of the Blessing. On the birth anniversary of his mother, Corazon Aquino, iven their diverse background, the residents get to know one another through fellowship activities designed to foster trust, harmony and which coincided with the date of the Blessing, President Aquino was pleased to see people power being harnessed to build new homes, new belongingness among members of the Xavier Ecoville community. Values formation sessions are also being conducted weekly. Here, the Pcommunities and new lives for the Sendong survivors. Gcommunity forms two circles with the women in the smaller circle and the men in the bigger circle. They revolve in opposite directions while singing an action song. After every round of singing, everyone turns around to shake hands and get to know the person in front of them The President’s party included Vice President and Chairman of the Housing Urban Development Coordinating Council Jejomar Binay, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman, Public Works and Highway Secretary Babes Singson, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, esidents of Xavier Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection Secretary Neric Acosta and Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez. Ecoville learn lessons Ron solid waste management and help dig the compost pit intended not just for disposal of organic wastes but also for their vermicomposting livelihood project. This is just one scene of actual present- day bayanihan. Residents

Photo by Johnny Cabreira Photo by Jerome Torres will be actively involved in the development of Xavier ity Mayor Vicente Emano (left) graced the Blessing of Xavier avier Ecoville has been blessed with the generosity and kindness Ecoville. They have signed up Ecoville on January 25, 40 days after Sendong. With the mayor of numerous benefactors and donors. The picture above to help in various programs were Vice Mayor Cesar Ian Acenas, members of the City shows representatives of Steag State Power Inc and Hapinoy C X on sanitation, health, Council, heads of City Government offices and various organizations donating solar lamps to the community. Steag, Hapinoy and the governance, education, involved in the project. Mayor Emano assured the beneficiaries that Ateneo de Manila University are giving solar lighting facilities enough livelihood, shelter and the City Government will provide all kinds of assistance. Fr Roberto for all families at Xavier Ecoville. Earlier, the Ateneo Innovation Center communication to ensure Yap, SJ, XU president, remarked that Xavier Ecoville is a clear example installed a solar water purifying system to provide the new resettlers the development of their of a private-public partnership. with safe drinking water. Many organizations such as Peace and B. Odchigue Photo by Jose Carlou community. r Equity Foundation, Gawad Kalinga - Ateneo, Hapinoy, National Youth

XAVIER MAGAZINE SPECIAL ISSUE: SENDONG OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011 18 Feature 19 Tabang Sendong: From Relief to Rehab by Darlene Jane G Wabe

endong was a calamity of unexpected proportions for Sthe people of Cagayan de Oro. What could’ve been the start of the much-awaited Christmas holidays instead became a period of grief, hardships and staff alike, some of whom were the numerous organizations The food and drinks that were struggles to get back on our feet. also survivors of the flood, gave and departments of the supposedly for the parties were However, another unexpected up a relaxed Christmas vacation University. However, since the instead directed to the people thing happened: the people of and showed up to volunteer eve of December 16, frantic text in evacuation centers. It helped, Cagayan de Oro showed a kind almost every day. Nowadays, messages for help were already in particular, that Army Trucks of resilience, generosity, and those same XU survivors have exchanged between friends and were on-hand because the efficiency never before seen asterplan of Xavier also benefited from assistance colleagues as the rising waters NSTP classes were supposed as Relief Operations quickly Ecoville permanent packages that were set up by the placed a looming threat. The to have parties for their adopted sprouted in the city to respond site developed with University to aid them in their morning after, a decision had to communities on December 17. M to the emergency. Among those recovery. As Tabang Sendong be made: all Christmas parties Party food from organizations assistance from A Brown operations was Tabang Sendong Company, Inc. 573 row houses operations move away from of XU were cancelled. Heads of outside of XU were also offered of Xavier University. will be constructed on the handing out relief goods, the next SACDEV and HR were tasked to and packed for the affected step of rehabilitation and recovery immediately compile a list of XU communities. Non-XU members 5-hectare lot in Lumbia, adjacent Immediately, after news of the is being undertaken by the members who were badly affected also joined in to volunteer. to the temporary shelter. Partners devastation spread, Xavier University through providing the by Sendong. Student volunteers in the house building are Habitat University members gathered CdeO flood survivors with new were tapped by SACDEV, under Tabang Sendong evolved into for Humanity Philippines with whatever resources they could homes and livelihood. Plans are the leadership of Irene Guitarte, a defined structure as the need San Miguel Corporation, which give as relief to those who had also underway to make Xavier a director of Student Affairs arose. KKP oversaw the Relief donated more than P51 million, been directly affected by the center for Disaster Risk Reduction. and Ivanell Subrabas, head of Operations. Goods were delivered UnionBank Foundation, Brotherhood flood. As the weeks went by, Student Activities and Leadership through the gate leading to the of Christian Businessmen and the Christmas spirit was truly The first steps Development, to go into Aggies Satellite Canteen and Professionals and the Chinese Ladies felt as volunteers and donors evacuation centers and search for were sorted by an assembly line Association of Cebu. The permanent manifested their love for their December 17, 2011 was originally fellow Ateneans. This first step of volunteers according to food site broke ground on March 3. fellowmen. Students, faculty, and set aside for Christmas parties by was harrowing as the volunteers stuffs, water, clothes, toiletries avier Ecoville is not just found it difficult to tread into the and other household items. a housing program but a sensitive atmosphere of grief and Those five types of items were community building program. trauma inside the evacuation then packed up in determined X amounts in single bundles and XU aims to develop a thriving and centers. But they persevered and healthy community at Xavier Ecoville. In the initial list was ready by the sent to the affected communities addition to the residential lots of 50 sqm first day of relief operations. This with accompanying volunteers per lot, Xavier Ecoville will have parks and operation was speeded up when led by a Team Leader. A community facilities. electricity and Internet connection Communications team was on returned the following day. Social standby near the canteen to run media was particularly useful in the Tabang Sendong website, the search for those purported entertain queries, and coordinate missing. with the distribution operations. XU members who had lost their homes because of the flood were allowed to stay in the Covered Blessing of the bunkhouses XAVIER MAGAZINE SPECIAL ISSUE: SENDONG OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011 20 Feature Feature 21

Courts where a committee was colleagues helping each other assigned to assist them with their amid the chaos of Sendong. needs. Beyond Sendong: rehabilitation The lack of water was a persistent problem during the first month The Emergency Response of XU after Sendong. Several water was winding down when classes lines were badly damaged and it resumed in January. Students would take a month of working had to switch their attention from days to get them all repaired. In volunteering to academics. The the meantime, drinking water for Office of Research and Social those living in affected areas was Outreach continued giving relief provided by donors. Water for as the Secretariat for DSWD. The other needs was offered by other Philippine Army was given the barangays, public and private task of distributing the remaining institutions, like Xavier, that still goods. The Operation: Tabang had running water. Sendong website is still up and running and keeping track of an indefinite period for as long and benefactors, and members textbooks, computers, etc. Preventing another Sendong Relief Operations didn’t consist donations. It’s now just a small as it is not damaged or used of the press. Eventually, more were badly damaged or simply only of giving out goods but part of XU’s three-pronged for illegal purposes. The settlers settlers will arrive, and enough washed away and lost forever. All the other efforts of Relief and also of meeting the survivor’s approach to Sendong. Focus have gone through a selection permanent houses will be built for The University responded with Rehabilitation and Recovery will medical and psychosocial needs. is shifting to Recovery and process and are now residing in 500 families. an assistance package specifically be for naught if people stuck to The Medical Teams, consisting Rehabilitation programs and bunk houses at Ecoville. These geared to address this problem. the same old system that led mostly of Medicine and Nursing Disaster Risk Reduction. temporary shelters have common The resettlement area has received Affected students went through to the tragedy of Sendong. We students, were sent out to the bathrooms, comfort rooms, and good reviews both from non-XU a selection process, including a must admit that we, the residents Evacuation Centers to take care A new home cooking areas. These dwellings, international organizations and personal, one-on-one interview of Cagayan de Oro and the which are Phase One of the entire from the settlers themselves. with the Office of Student Affairs, academe, also had a role to play. of the injured and the sick. The Xavier Ecoville is a resettlement project, were officially blessed on Several clusters are present to and granted an Access Card that Disaster Risk Reduction consists Psychology Department and area built on land owned by XU January 25, 2012, the 40th day help in the smooth flow of the allowed them to get inside the of making every one aware of Student Volunteers performed in Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro. after Sendong, along with a school project. These clusters are WASH school without the XU uniform, the risks they are taking when debriefing and counselling and This long-term joint project was bus donated by UNTV and the (Water and Sanitation Hygiene), waiver of Midterm tuition, a free settling in a certain area and the held entertaining activities to initiated by The Board of Trustees first 40 families of settlers. The Health, Livelihood, Governance, set of uniform and printing of ID, steps they must take to prevent or ease the survivor’s worries, and President of the University, blessing was attended by Mayor and Education. The goal is to and a gift certificate of 500 pesos prepare for any possible natural especially those of children. When and the City Government. The Vicente Emano of Cagayan de prepare the families for permanent from National Book Store for calamities. classes resumed in January 2012, land is granted usufruct to the Oro, Mr Elpie Paras, Chairman of settlement, sustainable livelihood school supplies. Debriefing Sessions were held families of Sendong survivors XECON, an environmental forum XU Board of Trustees, members and self-administration. during Alternative Classes from and eventually, according to Fr. in which Sec Neric Acosta was of the XU Board of Trustees, city Cash and tuition assistance were January 9 to 11. Stories were Bobby Yap, SJ, donated to them. XU has not forgotten about resource speaker, was one of the councillors, XU administrators, also provided through the Office shared and it was comforting to As usufruct, the settlers are helping its own flock build first steps taken by the Research listen to stories of students and faculty and staff, partners, donors of Student Affairs to students who allowed to use it for livelihood for new homes. Grants and loans have been affected by Sendong and Social Outreach (RSO) in specifically designed to help or, worse, lost their parents in spreading information on the employees rebuild their lives are the flood. Moreover, grants-in- state of the environment and now available. These were also aid on top of any discount and what we can do about it. RSO, led launched on January 25, 2012. scholarship already availed by by Dr Hilly Ann Roa-Quiaoit, also Among these assistance packages the student are available from aims to initiate more geological are Sendong Calamity Grant, the Office of Scholarships and surveys and research on the Multi-purpose Loan, Housing Financial Aid for the collegiate fluvial patterns of the Cagayan Loan, and Rent-to-Own plan. level, and the principal for the de Oro River and connecting Affected employees of XU and elementary and high school levels. rivers. These studies will be used its affiliated units also have the to push forward environmental option to transfer to Xavier Ecoville Unfortunately, a few students policies that will also benefit the XU. A Thanksgiving Mass was we move forward with our plans following the process of availment. were lost to Sendong. A 50,000 community with increased safety held last February 14, 2012 in the to make a better, safer, and more peso Death Aid Grant was and quality of life. Immaculate Conception Chapel. environmentally sustainable life Back-to-school awarded to their families and The University Chaplain, Fr Eric than that before Sendong. r Memorial Services were held for “Sendong closure” The loss of school materials, Velandria, SJ, presided over the those who are still missing. On aside from the loss of homes Newer calamities in other parts liturgy to celebrate the life, love, the 40th Day, a Memorial Mass and the trauma, was one of the of the Philippines and the world and hope that were given not only was held for all of those who had main problems of XU students have taken over the news, but the to the survivors but to the whole affected by Sendong. Uniforms, lost their lives in the calamity. memory of Sendong persists in The first batch of families to be transferred to XU Ecoville community. As the days go by,

XAVIER MAGAZINE SPECIAL ISSUE: SENDONG OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011 22 Feature Feature 23 Avoiding a Strike 3 by Rechelle Ann Tolinero

t was in January of 2009 when Cagayan de Oro was hit by floods that claimed a few lives and damaged many livelihoods and infrastructure. On December 16, I2011, less than three years after, the city was once again swamped in floods – this time leaving an unimaginable devastation a tragedy the city has not heard of in the last 50 years. cities in the Philippines have undergone By comprehensive, Lo means that disaster With two floods in a row, the last one tragic rapid development. Although this may be mitigation must connect with development. enough to have put the city in a state of favourable, this may also “trigger haphazard “It is not enough to focus on earthquake- shock, what went wrong-again? Did what urban development,” which, during disasters, resistant construction,” he says. “The happene what we allowed to happen to us? may claim more fatalities. program should also aim at increasing access It seems that little has changed in people’s to housing through the provision of finance Given that disasters require the overlapping awareness of disaster risks since 2009. and land.” He adds that policy-makers of hazard, exposure and vulnerability of should not focus on flood management Engr Dexter Lo, founding director of the population to occur, they can, therefore, be alone, but pursue it in the context of water Engineering Resource Center at Xavier entirely preventable. “We can painstakingly resource management. Lo cites natural University, defines risk as the probability of move people out of harm’s way,” said Lo resource management, urban development Ignacio underscored the importance of disaster-resilient communities. This is loss, either of lives, property or both. It is during the Xavier Environment Conference and sustainable agriculture as some of mapping out high risk areas and measuring where building capacities, building new the product of the interplay of the elements last February where he spoke to an audience the anchors where disaster mitigation and safe zones not from the stream banks but standards and building partnerships of disaster: hazard (a natural process such composed of the academe, delegates from development connect. considering the entire flood plain. come in. Our infrastructures have to be as earthquakes and storms), population the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, prepared for the worse. People need to (exposure) and vulnerability (structural, an alliance of political parties in Asia assisting Lo is not alone in his recommendations. The technology for accurately predicting be educated and constantly reminded physical, socio-economic). Floods and in the formulation and propagation of a Dr Nathaniel Bantayan, professor and disasters already exists. Back in 2009, the to plan ahead for floods, sea level rise, earthquakes, for example, don’t automatically liberal climate change agenda, and Sec administrator of the GIS laboratory at the Philippine Imperative for Climate Change, earthquakes, tsunamis and other imminent qualify as disasters. “Disasters happen Nereus Acosta, presidential adviser for the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, World Wide Fund and Filipino scientists hazards. Evacuation drills and continuous because there is some kind of geologic or environment. also called for “collaborative natural resource developed simulations of the effects of information-education-communication meteorological phenomenon that hit a people governance.” During a forum organized by extreme weather patterns to climate change campaigns are essential for long-term “Disaster is a development issue,” drummed who cannot withstand it.” the United Architects of the Philippines on hot spots in the country, which included survival. Perhaps the most important piece Lo. He said exposure of people to risk is building disaster resilient communities in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. As of advice in disaster preparedness was In his paper for the World Bank Institute great because of their location. “Policy should January, Bantayan, a forester by profession, it turned out, the flood simulations were the one pointed out by Bantayan. People published in September of last year, Lo points not be limited to political jurisdiction,” he advocated for the protection, conservation, frighteningly accurate. When Sendong should not grow desensitized to disasters. out that amid the city’s rapid commercial continued, “because floods do not respect and restoration of forests in the watersheds hit, the most flooded parts of the city People who have been used and industrial expansions, people continue boundaries.” and proper land use for “clean, sufficient (west) were the same areas shown in the to floods shouldn’t grow to build inner city slums and informal and regulated water flows.” Just as Lo insists simulations. While there may be Disaster Management cynical and instead learn how settlements in ravines, steep slopes and along on integrating disaster risk assessment in to self-evacuate in time. Two programs in the city, they need to be Building a GIS database for ecological flood plains. “It is widely recognized that the planning analysis, Bantayan asserts that devastating floods, millions integrated if they are to lessen the impact profiling and hazard mapping is something one of the factors that enhance the rise of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan must be worth of damage, thousands of tragedies. “We need to start talking Bantayan, Ignacio and Lo support. Lo adds disaster losses throughout the world in recent treated as a planning document, not merely a of displaced families, and comprehensively.” He suggests for these that forecasting instruments should also times is population explosion combined “compliance document.” programs to be “locally crafted” and should nearing a thousand fatalities with demographic change and movements be local-friendly – something the locals involve the people in the community. after, it’s time we learn from leading to unplanned urbanization,” writes Andres F Ignacio, geomatics manager and understand well for them to exercise a Community organizing activities, he said, will our complacency before we all Lo. With many places elsewhere boasting director for planning of the Environmental sense of ownership and care. bring “better chances of unprejudiced and strike out. r of robust economic growth, it may be good Science for Social Change, echoes indiscriminate participation of stakeholders.” Having the technology in place is just to consider if the city, in a way, “rushed” Bantayan’s call for integrated management of half of the story. What’s needed are Graphics from Engineering Resource Center its growth. Lo observes that many urban watersheds. At the same forum as Bantayan’s, XAVIER MAGAZINE SPECIAL ISSUE: SENDONG OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011 24 Feature Feature 25 Seen and Heard rofessional Opera Singer Wayne Yeh serenades the volunteers at Pthe XU relief center. The Hong Kong-based performer visited all the evacuation areas in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City on December 19, two days after the flood. Photo by Jose Carlou B. Odchigue Photo by Jose Carlou ep Risa Hontiveros -Barraquel (center) introduces her colleagues in Akbayan to Fr REric Velandria SJ, head of the relief operations. Akbayan donated canned goods, used clothes and offered their time to help in sorting and packing goods for deployment. The congresswoman also visited the temporary shelter at Xavier Ecoville to hand out goods to the residents and children. Mercedita Gualberto Photo by Xyla ssey Tanaka, a University student from Tokyo, plays with a kid in the evacuation area ep Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito of the lone District of San Juan City presents a check worth P300,000 to the representatives of Xavier Ecoville. He at the University Covered Court. Tanaka flew all the way from Japan to help in the also gave medicines, food items, mattresses, bed sheets, slippers and clothes. With him were delegates from his district and some members of Irelief work. Prior to this, he did volunteer work for victims of the volcano eruption in Rthe Junior Chamber International (JCI) where he was the former national president. Indonesia and the flooding in Thailand in 2010. Tanaka was later featured in Yahoo! News for his altruistic endeavors. photo by Khendy Zulieta

ocial Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman visits the XU Tabang SSendong Relief Center before proceeding to the DSWD Command Center for a multi-sectoral meeting. She greeted and cheered up the crowd while congratulating Xavier University volunteers for a job well done. Photo by Johnny Cabreira

Photo by Anwedda Navarra res Benigno Aquino III with Vice Pres Jejomar Binay and Social Welfare Secr ormer chairman of the National Youth Commission, and co-founder ournalists (from right) Patricia Evangelista, Chay Hofileña Corazon Soliman at Xavier Ecoville in the afternoon of the blessing of the and president of MicroVentures Inc Bam Aquino shares on the and Maria Ressa of Rappler.com talk to the camp manager of pl.de.ap of the Grammy Award-winning hip-hop Hapinoy program for micro-entrepreneurs at Xavier Ecoville. Bam also Xavier Ecoville before proceeding to a journalism forum for group Black Eyed Peas thanks the donors and Temporary Shelter on Jan 25. Pres Aquino commended the work done and F J P gave out solar lamps with Steag State Power Inc and the Ateneo de Manila communication students. r volunteers of Operation: Tabang Sendong. The assured the beneficiaries of Xavier Ecoville that the government is doing all it can to A extend housing and livelihood programs to the survivors. He also mentioned the University. Filipino-American staged a mini concert for all his fans and gave cash a donation of more than P300,000.00. construction of a Sabo dam to prevent further occurrence of devastating floods.

XAVIER MAGAZINE SPECIAL ISSUE: SENDONG OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011 26 Feature Feature 27

first so they could help everybody up. We prioritized my sister since she’s pregnant, and our dog. Everything would have been all right then, except that my mother could move, not even her foot; she was paralyzed with fear. She kept on telling us to save ourselves and leave her; I was aghast at the idea and angry TSUKULIT: at the same time. Everybody was on board except me, my mother and my father. The a bittersweet water continued to rise. The table could not hold much longer, I could feel its legs giving remembrance away and the current getting more vicious, carrying debris, dead bodies of cows, goats, By – Iman Alonto dogs...people. “Ayo. Ayo, tulong.” “I keep on praying already, man. But, nothing ’ve never been afraid of death. For me, life I saw my father being slowly engulfed by the is happening. What will I do?” is a story; like any other, it will eventually But, there was no reply. The water was cruelly water; he did not climb on the table since come to an end. But, during the night of it would collapse under his weight. If we trying to engulf us. Then, one of our helpers This was the hardest question asked of me in Of finding hope & faith the flood, the thought of dying haunted climbed up the gate but it was locked. Finally, my entire existence. I couldn’t tell my cousin By Mary Ann Chiong didn’t do anything fast the three of us would Ime. I could not bear the idea of possibly the owners opened the gate to us. They that we would be okay when we could hear drown or be carried away by the current. In dying without even having truly lived. As were confused and half-asleep. If it weren’t the voices of people screaming for help, desperation, I crouched and told my mother this regret seeped further into my senses, it hanks to our neighbor who shouted, for our frantic shouts, they wouldn’t have getting softer as the rain poured incessantly. We were all wet and shivering from the cold; she better step on my back or the three of us became my license to survive. “Pangmata mo! Taas na ang tubig!” not one of us was able to save anything known it was already flooding. My younger All I answered her was not to quit praying would die; I became her ladder. My father aunt went into short-span mental freeze, she and to wait. at around twelve midnight. In less except the clothes we had on our bodies. was the last person to board. A struggle for survival than 10 minutes after I roused my The Pastor of the church was very kind and was immovable, no matter how much we convinced her to get inside, she just stayed So, we just waited and prayed. Tsister and parents, water started to get into offered their blankets and towels to us. I The water continued to rise and I had a Push. Push. Push. there weeping so hard. We had to shake her our house from all directions, and for the should have felt safe. But there was this sinking feeling that many would die that There were four of us pushing our front and drag her inside or else we would all be Morning delight first time in my life I panicked. I had a very voice nagging at the back of my head saying night. We heard screams coming from all door, our only available exit, but still the swept away by the current. bad feeling it wasn’t just an ordinary flood. things were far from over. I went out of the directions. Not one of us uttered a word. I felt When sunrise came, we could already see door was unshaken. We ran around the our house, the flood had subsided. It was I grabbed my wallet, my sister and our dog church and looked around. The rain was still numbed. After a few minutes the screaming We found our refuge, we are almost safe, was house screaming for help as we looked for the most beautiful sunrise I’ve ever seen. It out of the house; I realized with horror that pouring heavily and it was still pitch dark. My stopped. It was so silent you could have heard my thought. another possible exit. But, there was no help brought back life into us. We are alive! the knee-deep water had risen up to my hips head suddenly felt heavy with incoherent fear a pin drop. I stood there under the wind and or another exit. We could feel the cold water in less than a minute. Outside our gate, the Refuge in prayer when I saw water, like deja vu from our house rain, half-naked, shivering, like the rest of cruelly rising up the length of our bodies. So, we went down, which turned out to be current was so vicious I lost my balance and earlier, coming from all directions toward the my family and neighbors. I asked repeatedly Miraculously, the elder of my aunts, the “Allahuakbar. Praise the Lord. Laillahaillallah. more difficult than going up. We were cold, gulped floodwater and mud before my cousin church. I saw my cousin grab his two sons to like a madman, “Wala nay nag singgit, unsa frailest among us, was able to turn the knob Jesus is our Saviour” stinky (we peed while we were in the ceiling managed to help me up. a nearby unfinished two-storey building, he ang buot ipasabot? [No one’s screaming of the door. beams), and tired. There was no more was urging us to come with him. anymore, what does this mean]” Nobody We were already on the second floor; both adrenaline rush. Then, we called our other Having climbed to an elevated area, my answered. We rushed into my uncle’s house next door families were sitting and praying together. neighbors to check if they were okay, and they sister and I were temporarily out of danger. I made a quick survey of the church. It was to wake them up. He wasn’t around. His two Their grandmother, an eighty-one year old were. I saw my uncles walking toward us in Amidst the darkness, panic gripped me constructed more than twenty years ago Our dilemma was far from over. At around 2 helpers were trying to wake his family who Christian, started to utter prayers alongside the thick mud to rescue us. We were jumping again when I noticed that my mother was and the years had made its roof fragile am, the water had reached the flooring of the were deeply asleep inside. We banged on our family. For the first time in my life, I in joy to see them. We were worried that they nowhere in sight while water was engulfing and unreliable. It could collapse under the second floor, kissing our bare feet. Flashes of their door, shouted their names and alerted heard the unison of Christian and Muslim had lost their lives trying to rescue us. our house. I was half screaming to my father weight of over 50 people. I urged my family floods reaching 30 to 40 feet high kept playing our other neighbors. But, silence answered prayers. If it were a normal night, it would that I couldn’t find my mother and that she to transfer to the other building; it was the on my mind. I knew we would all die if this us. Then, the door opened. I saw my uncle’s have sounded awkward, but , that night, it When we went to our house, we saw our was still probably inside the house. My father longest 20-meter journey of our lives. would happen. I had never felt so helpless in wife, totally in shock, carrying my two-year appeased our anxious souls. I knew this time things buried or stuck in the mud. Our cars immediately went back. I was screaming like my entire life; I didn’t know what to do. And old cousin while my ten-year old cousin was that I wouldn’t die yet. All throughout that were broken, our house unrecognizable. mad at the thought that I could lose both of When we arrived in the building, everybody so I prayed; I didn’t even know what I was gripping hard on her shirt. night, I was praying for a less tragic death. Then, we looked at each other. We were all my parents in that moment. I felt so helpless; was in chaos. I was puzzled at why those who praying. I have never been religious; in fact But, I haven’t done anything worthy in this alive. What right have we to complain? All nine of us were trying to run, but we I knew I would only endanger my life if I went arrived first were not yet upstairs. I asked no many would describe me as an atheist. But at world yet. If I died, I’d be sent directly to Hell. couldn’t, the strong rapid was pulling us Then we broke into laughter when my two- one in particular where the stairway was. I I cannot let that happen! I have to survive! back inside our house. It felt like eternity that moment nothing was certain. And when away. We held onto each other for support. almost laughed when a voice answered that year old cousin said, “Mommy, look, plenty before my parents made it through. nothing is certain I realized there’s nothing We couldn’t lose anyone. Suddenly, I couldn’t there were no stairs. The building was left Then, the water suddenly rose up to their tsukulit. (pointing to the mud).” more to do but to hope and have faith. see my elder aunt anymore, my younger Our house lay on a very flat plain barely 50 second floor. So, we hurriedly forced unfinished. Frank Sinatra’s song My Way What happened to us is not a punishment; aunt was running towards our car to escape ourselves, all seventeen of us, to fit inside meters away from the riverbank, making it started playing in my head. And now, the end The water subsided and we lived. But our it is a gift and a lesson. A gift of life and a with it and my 10-year old cousin, Asia, was a 10-foot high manhole to be able to climb among the first houses to be flooded. We is near…. lives have been forever changed. Ironocally, lesson to live better. Life is still a story. God tiptoeing for the water was reaching her neck up toward the ceiling beams with piles of stayed at the UCCP church near our house. It it took a flash flood that nearly ended our already. I didn’t know what to do or whom has given me a chance to live more chapters. It was pitch dark and the water was very high. wooden furniture. The night was pitch was quite elevated and we thought we were lives for me to encounter the hope and faith I to help first. Good thing, I saw that my elder This time, I’ll work harder for a much better Neighbors, relatives and friends improvised. black. There was a deafening silence. We all safe since the church was spared from the thought I would never find. r aunt was already banging on the gate of ending. r We piled up two tables to reach the second were cramped. We could feel fear and cold flood in 2009. There were around fifty of us: our neighbor’s two-storey house. I grabbed Mary Ann Chiong is an administrative assistant creeping into our veins. We could see the children, adults and domestic animals, who floor. But it was not high enough. Somebody my younger aunt and struggled against the Mis Iman Alonto is a 1st year BS Psychology of the Governance and Leadership Institute at water swallowing our whole neighborhood took refuge in the building. had to wait upstairs to help pull up those water’s flow just to reach our neighbor’s student. Their residence in Tambo, Macasandig Xavier University. She was a non-believer until like a giant pac-man. from the ground floor. The men climbed place. was submerged in floodwater that rose up Sendong effaced her doubting faith. to the ceiling of their elevated one-storey bungalow.. XAVIER MAGAZINE SPECIAL ISSUE: SENDONG OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011 28 Feature Feature 29 the relief operations , the experience has given wind was very strong and the water on the There were many factors that caused the flash me a lot of learnings and realizations. ground was already one ruler high. I worked flood. However, it was the greed for money, on my assignment when I reached home greed for power and greed for material things cry, my beloved hometown Personally, I am not the kind of person who that night. As the rain kept pounding on my that aggravated it. Everything boiled down for the hungry homeless ailing would take the initiative of greeting people window and the lights went out, I continued to the destruction of the forest and nature. and almost hopeless REFLECTIONS especially the ones I am not close to; but writing oblivious of what was happening Mother Nature had finally asked people to waiting for succor and comfort during the relief operations I was drawn outside. Then I slept soundly. payback the damage that’s been done. coming from the most unexpected sources out of my comfort zone. I had to learn to and places become more friendly, extend more patience When I woke up at around 6 am, a tragic In the aftermath of the calamity, I realized the Being a Sendong A Christmas to and be always available in answering queries event changed my morning outlook. There need to value God’s creations. Nature should cry, my beloved hometown from as big as how to donate to as small as Volunteer Remember was no water coming out of the faucet! When I be protected, mining and logging must stop. this time with survival and joy where’s the cartolina, the staplers, food and picked up my cellphone, I saw a text message There is a need for the local government to for your people are becoming as one even Biogesic! Our team eventually learned agyong Sendong left every Kagay- he Christmas break was my most from my best friend which she sent around improve on disaster preparedness so that rushing flying riding walking to your rescue awaited holiday for 2011. Not for its to take it in stride and we would joke that anon, in one way or another, changed. 1 am. She was already on top of their roof people are ready and know what to do when to feed clothe comfort and strengthen your we were the finance-slash-bookcenter-slash- long duration but as an opportunity to because their house had been flooded up to hazards strike. weakened ill and despairing Many lost family members, friends, T purchasing- slash-clinic all rolled into one! B do overdue reports, have my medical check- the second floor. I was so shocked and angry possession, or know of somebody who’s up, and even the possibility of spending New The overflowing generosity of people, both at myself for reading my best friend’s message I was very fortunate that the floodwater was cry my beloved hometown suffered either or all. As a student and a Year’s Eve by the Siquijor beach. I planned to the donors and volunteers , also gave me the too late. It took many attempts to reach her only a foot high in my dorm and I was living your people will carry you out Kagay-anon, I felt a strong pull inside me to fix my schedule for that two-week vacation much needed energy boost during those rigid before she finally answered my call. I was so on the 2nd floor. I realized that life is short of these dregs of debris and happily thought to start 2012 more help, so I devoted almost all of my Christmas three weeks. A simple joke and a smile from relieved when she told me that she was safe and no one can predict the extent of our life of logs concrete steel mud and broken organized and somehow on a lighter work holiday volunteering for XU’s Operation friends, acquaintances and strangers also and together with her family. on earth. Thus, there is a need to live life deformed tossed bodies mindset. Tabang Sendong. I thought, we couldn’t wait became significant. according to the way of God because we to rise again... r I was also very worried about the situation of were created by God with His love and grace. for help from other places; we had to manage But Sendong changed all of my plans. Even though the break I planned didn’t my 3 exchange students who lived in Emily And although we are not affected by any to help one another. Bit by bit, goods arrived It has been SOP for the [KKP] office to materialize, I found that Christmas to be more Homes (where floodwater rose to the 2nd catastrophe, we should always put to life the in the relief center. I and the other volunteers respond to natural disasters which need meaningful and discovered joy more real in floor), Balulang (where floodwater was neck works of mercy as what we have been taught started sorting out clothes, packing rice, urgent help/assistance. I accepted the learning to handle pressure in a “proper” way- level) and Barra, Opol (where floodwater and experienced. r canned goods and water in plastic packs assignment to be the finance officer thinking agere contra, in the name of cura personalis was shoulder level). Their home countries and deploying them to evacuation centers. It it would be the same from previous relief and magis! r Switzerland, Japan and Belgium had been Mazuin Quiachon operations we had had. calling to see if they were okay. I was relieved AB International Studies - 4 was a heartbreaking sight at the evacuation Kris Buntag is a program officer of the when I learned that they were safe. centers, but it was also heartwarming to see I was wrong. Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana- young people, professionals, international Social Involvement Office at Xavier University. I volunteered for the relief operations of Xavier Walk-in donors came in droves from as early She was in charge of the walk-in cash donations Cry, my beloved groups and non-government organizations University and I also went to each exchange as 6 am until way past 10 pm. Normally, I, during the Tabang Sendong relief operations. offering help to ease the crisis. We gave student’s home and to my classmates who hometown together with volunteers, would finish work out the relief while a separate group, the were affected by the flash flood. I gave them (with apologies to Alan Patton’s “cry the for the day at 12 midnight ¬– from counting basic commodities such as canned goods, beloved country”) Psychosocial Team, held debriefing sessions donations, liquidating expenses and inputting noodles, rice, bottled water, soap, etc. I by Anna Mary Ellen Obach for all the direct victims of the typhoon. donors into the website’s donor’s list. Due Seeing God during realized that those goods that I bought from Medical missions intensified when cases of to its rapid and hectic pace, I chose to sleep the Sendong Flood Ororama were for the flood survivors. I felt cry, my beloved hometown leptospirosis, flu, diarrhea and pneumonia in the office for the first three weeks after happy that I was able to help many people; now seemingly a ghost town Sendong and spent Christmas Day in XU with were reported in the evacuation centers. Even however, I was traumatized by the sight of after the ravages of sendong some of my officemates who were assigned t was 6 o’clock in the evening of December though it was non-stop work on what was dead bodies I passed by on the street and saw aggravated aided by careless reckless greed in receive relief goods and in managing the 16 when a certain premonition came upon supposed to be a Christmas break, the joy of on tv. I went back home to General Santos evacuation center. me. It was as if somebody was forcing opening our hearts and hands to the survivors I City after three days of helping in the relief of loggers, business men and government me to buy goods from Ororama. I did not Another concern I also had to deal with was operations. I thought I had escaped the lack of thousands dead and families of the victims is irreplaceable. r know why but I had a strange feeling that not following the food and sleep hours my water in CDO as well as the tragic event but I thousands missing moment. The rain had already started falling, Marc Paul Adame doctor required me to do. I thought to myself, was wrong. I was traumatized and had fever creating widows and orphans much too soon but I decided to brave the rain and go to BS Psychology - 2 I’d rather eat what’s not allowed than collapse every night for almost a week. I couldn’t sleep. Ororama. When I went out of the store after, of hunger! I just cried and cried because images of dead cry, my beloved hometown the weather was already very bad. I got totally people and even the flood survivors that I saw for self interest had prevailed wet and rained on even when I was inside the And yes, all the plans I left made for the stayed on my mind. I finally talked to my mom over common good motorella. The motorella could hardly move Christmas break were unfulfilled . However, and she was the one who comforted me. selfishness over care for creation despite those changes and the demands of because the rain got heavier and heavier, the indifference over concern for one another

XAVIER MAGAZINE SPECIAL ISSUE: SENDONG OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011 30 Feature 31

this third year Development Communication with astonishment when it proliferated. student majoring in Educational “After a day, all my friends were using it, and Communication at Xavier has been my friends’ friends were using it too, and designing since he discovered Photoshop their friends also.” in high school. But his interest goes way Editorial Staff From the screen, the design leaped to life back when he was a kid. He recalls seeing Editor: Vanessa Gorra in t-shirts. It became a vehicle for raising his father’s drawings. “His compilation of Associate Editor: Anna Mary Ellen Obach funds for the Sendong survivors. The shirts sketches and collages really amazed me,” he Lay Out Artist: Paulo Javier Gener sold tremendously well and proceeds shares. “It is my father’s artwork that I look Copyreader: Lennie Ong up to.” were donated to Gawad Kalinga. As of this writing, Mong relates that “there are already At 19, Mong has done many graphic 32 houses built.” Although he couldn’t tell Catalina Gaite designs. He usually makes typographic exactly how many have been helped since Director, Communications Office Meet the person behind posters, t-shirt designs and photo post- other individuals and groups also used the the overnight sensation processing. He uploads all his works in his design for their own products with the same Sendong Issue: Contributors: Rechelle Ann Tolinero, Darlene Jane Wabe, Iman Alonto, Mary Ann website, but none of them has ever caught goal of extending assistance to those who by Rechelle Ann Tolinero Chiong, Kris Buntag, Mazuin Quiachon, Marc Paul Adame, Hanna Salvaleon, on as much as HELP CDO did. “I’ve made have been affected. Carlou Odchigue, Darlene Jane Wabe, Terence John Roa, Lorelei Deloso, Alma efore there were fun runs, benefit complicated designs before and posted Whether people recognize his contribution Chezka Waminal, Mary Jane Agbo, Regine Alago, Hildegard Hallasgo, Jopet concerts, and other fund raising them on my Tumblr account, but no one Dael, John Jerald Ong and Alexa Rand Aquino activities dedicated to the victims seems to notice them,” he says. “This one or don’t, Mong is happy being the invisible B partner. His message was heard loud and and survivors of Sendong, there was HELP was different.” Photo Credits: Alvin Paul Yao, Lorelei Deloso, Alma Chezka Waminal, Darlene CDO. A day after Sendong left unimaginable clear. Countless people did HELP CDO.r Jane Wabe, Jerome Torres, Anwedda Navarra, Khendy Zulieta, Carlou Odchigue, devastation in Cagayan de Oro, these two Owing perhaps to its straightforwardness, Gian Paolo Duterte, Johnny Cabreira, Xyla Mercedita Gualberto, Jose Alfonso words with ”CDO” in block, red letters were HELP CDO populated the Internet for many Sendaydiego, Haiko Magtrayo, Kathleen Emilie Araña, Amor Gordoncillo, Beryl all over Facebook. Not long after, it appeared weeks. At the height of the relief operations, Jane De la Cruz, Charisse Anne Anislag, Ateneo Camera Club, The Crusader on t-shirts (and other merchandise) that it became the icon of the call for help. Publication, and volunteers of Tabang Sendong raised funds for Sendong survivors. The shirt Mong conceived the design after joining published by was a runaway hit. Ordinary people wore rescue missions and seeing the situation January to March 2012 Issue: it, the president of the University walked in the evacuation centers. “I decided to Contributors: Nonie Cornilla, Hobart Savior, Faustino Tarongoy Jr, Stephen Roy Communications Office around in it and celebrities modelled it. make HELP CDO because the victims really Pedroza, Kathleen Emillie Araña, Recto Mantiza, Alyssa Marize Maghuyop, Room 120-121, Campion Hall needed help.” Dirika Pacamalan, Maria Therese Agcopra, Alice Artazo, Christy Bacoto, Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Behind the popularity of the design though is Alma Chezka Waminal, Libby Josephine Abesamis, Carlou Odchigue, Wilson J 9000 Cagayan de Oro City a man who, to most of those who’ve bought For Mong, it was a personal appeal, so he Hormeguera (+6388) 858-3116 loc 3324 and worn the t-shirt, remains anonymous – was surprised to find out that many people until today. picked it up and made it their own personal Photo Credits: Veronica Homonlay, Christy Bacoto, Alma Chezka Waminal, Recto call as well. “I never expected my design Mantiza, Faustino Tarongoy Jr, Stephen Roy Pedroza, Johnny Cabreira, Ateneo Ramon Lucas B Jimenez is the man behind would go viral. I just made the design for my Camera Club, The Crusader Publication, CSG Electoral Commission, Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts, Office of Mission and Ministry, International the call. Known to his friends as “Mong,” profile picture so that my friends in Facebook Send your stories (750 words or lesser) to would help and donate.” He was overcome Studies Department, Engineering Resource Center, Student Entrepreneurship Program, Alumni Affairs Office [email protected]. XAVIER MAGAZINE SPECIAL ISSUE: SENDONG OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011